Parents tapped into their creativity and planning talents to prepare their families for Saturday’s popular Santa Claus Parade, which saw thousands of people lining downtown Victoria streets.
Many parents had their little ones tucked into fold-out chairs with blankets and held umbrellas overhead. Snacks and rain gear were must-haves.
But there also were some next-level parents such Saanich’s Michael Peakman who set a propane heater on the sidewalk to keep children warm. Their group of seven had a cosy spot near the start of the parade at Belleville and Government streets.
The best part of the parade? Peakman said, “Seeing the kids’ faces.”
Then there was Angela and Tyler Eames of Victoria who set up their tent-like sun shelter on Douglas Street to keep Morley, seven, and Maclean, five, happy and dry while waiting for the parade to start. Everyone had fold-out chairs and blankets and the children had iPads too.
Long-distance runner Tyler ran the parade route earlier in the day to check out the territory.
Like many folks, Sarah and Brad Van Nugt of Victoria brought a pull-along wagon for their children, Henry, 2, and Eleanor, 4. They were bundled up for “containment and warmth,” Sarah said with a laugh.
Sponsored by Peninsula Co-op, the parade started at about 5:20 p.m. enchanting youngsters who cheered and clapped and rushed to get candy-canes handed out by those in the parade. Social agencies, first responders, businesses, bands and a range of groups all mounted brightly coloured displays.
The parade ran along Government, up Humboldt Street, along Douglas Street to wrap up at Fisgard Street. This was the first time that the parade was on Douglas Street. In the past, it was on Government Street.
While the majority of the event went smoothly, a Victoria police officer was injured when officers attempted to arrest a man who was alleged to be trying to start fights.
A group of police officers were handing out candy canes when a parade spectator said a man had assaulted another spectator and was continuing to walk through the crowd trying to fight.
Officers took the man away from the crowd to a safe place where they could arrest him. But when they tried to do so, “He began to fight with them,” Victoria police said in a statement.
“After several minutes, police were able to take the man into custody.” One officer received a non-life-threatening injury. The spectator who was assaulted did not need medical attention.
The man who was arrested was taken to police cells. Anyone who witnessed the incident and who hasn’t yet spoken to police or have video of it are asked to contact Victoria police at 250-995-7654, extension one.
The parade continued without any further incidents.
Rain fell periodically, but was not as heavy as last year’s downpour. In any case, rain was expected and everyone was dressed for the weather.
The parade was in a spectacular setting. The legislature and the Fairmont Empress were lit up. Boats in the harbour were decorated with coloured lights and some downtown buildings sported holiday decorations and lights.
This year attracted 64 entries, similar to pre-pandemic numbers.
Victoria Police Chief Del Manak checked out the route before the parade started. “There are thousands and thousands of people here with so many young families. It’s good to see the Christmas spirit.”
Despite the strong attendance, there was still plenty of room on sidewalks to watch floats and marching bands go by. People cheered for their favourites.
Just about every entry was playing live or recorded music, creating a holiday atmosphere among watchers, including children dancing along in time.
Kelly Kurta, executive director of the Greater Victoria Festival Society, which organizes the event, said the new route would be safer and less congested than in the past.
Donations of food and money for the Mustard Seed were accepted near the parade start area. And toys and funds were collected for the Helmet Head Toy Run to support Victoria General Hospital and Jeneece Place.
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