'It really starts off the season': Sun shines for Downtown St. John's Santa parade

After a month of rain, drizzle and fog, the sun finally emerged for the annual Downtown St. John's Santa Claus parade, which was held a week later than planned due to the weather.

Thousands line the streets for rescheduled annual event

Abby Cole · CBC News · Posted: Dec 01, 2024 5:23 PM EST | Last Updated: 3 hours ago

Man in white beard and red suit stands in front of large sleigh with reindeer mascot standing on top. — The fog didn't stop Santa from coming to the parade, who had Rudolph to help guide him into St. John's. (Abby Cole/CBC)

After St. John's experienced its rainiest November ever, the Santa Claus parade finally went ahead Sunday afternoon.

There was some drizzle in the morning, but bright sun emerged just in time for the floats to wind their way through the downtown.

The parade was supposed to take place last weekend, but was postponed because of the weather. That, and the rainy morning, meant today's event was a bit smaller than hoped for, said Gaylynne Gulliver, the parade's Chief Elf Officer.

"It's been 39 days and 39 nights of showers, and today was no different," said Gulliver. "Sun's back out again here and everybody's spirits are high."

Woman in glasses and santa hat, stands with arms spread out. — Chief Elf Officer Gaylynne Gulliver was excited to see the sun come out just before the parade started. (Abby Cole/CBC)

Almost 45,000 people gathered in downtown St. John's to watch the annual parade, which is sponsored by Newfoundland Power, and which collects food donations for the Community Food Sharing Association.

Gulliver said the association is "the food bank's food bank" and that the goods collected at the parade are shared throughout the province.

An annual tradition

Two women stand in the middle, with two children on either side. — Amy Silver, with her children Ellen and Daniel, and Jaclyn Whelan, with her kids Rhodes and Navy, say the parade is a tradition that dates back to their own childhoods. (Abby Cole/CBC)

Lining up to watch the parade is a tradition not to be missed for many families.

"We came with our parents when we were young, and we want to bring our kids, and it really starts off the season," said Jaclyn Whelan.

Amy Silver said the parade is the best way to get in the Christmas spirit.

"It's so fun, we love it down here, all the floats and everything, they're really cool," said Silver. "People put a lot of work into doing it ... it makes the Christmas season start off with a bang."

It rained, it poured ... and it smashed November's weather record in St. John's

Downtown St. John's Christmas Parade postponed due to rain

As for the parade attractions, kids loved seeing the various characters including cheerleaders, motorcycles, dogs and Santa Claus himself.

Santa said despite the rain, the trip to St. John's went well.

"It was a little foggy last night, but Rudolph shined away all the way through," said Santa. "We had a perfect landing at the St. John's airport."

While Santa was the main event for many, the famous Maple Leaf Big Stick also made an appearance.

Santa will still get wish lists

Mascot character that looks like bologna stick. — The Maple Leaf Big Stick was a main attraction for the St. John's Santa Claus parade. (Abby Cole/CBC)

Due to the ongoing contract dispute, letters to Santa were not collected by Canada Post at this year's parade, but Gulliver said not to worry. "Santa knows what every kid wants for Christmas anyway. He's the guy who makes the list and checks it twice!"

Santa Claus confirmed the strike won't impact his ability to receive letters.

"Send it up the chimney," he said. "Light a fire, and put it in the fireplace, and let the smoke take it up the chimney, and it magically comes to the North Pole."

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