The wide and wonderful array of floats took to the streets of Picton once again for their annual Santa Claus parade Sunday as the big man in red brought the weather with him. The parade, which naturally had less attendees due to the weather than in previous years, is organized by the Picton Recreation Parade Committee.

With the weather making it feel like one had been teleported to the North Pole, the parade still seemed a big success as the streets from McFarland to Main and finishing at Talbot, were scattered here and there with well bundled up children, adults and animals alike all taking part in the Christmas festivity.

An annual favorite tradition for many would be the pancake breakfast held before the parade at the Prince Edward Yacht Club. With proceeds going towards Hospice Prince Edward, pancakes were served throughout the morning to anyone who was interested in enjoying the sweet delight and supporting the local residential hospice.

The parade, which was led by the OPPs new community safety officer, Constable Aaron Miller, was followed by Royal Canadian Legion members, Picton branch library ‘Love Your Library’ supporters, Prince Edward Collegiate Institute Panthers, Prince Edward County Fire and Rescue, the Cherry Valley Fraser’s, seven councillors and Mayor Steve Ferguson among many others that braved the weather to be part of the annual tradition.

As the snow fell and blew into the small faces and tongues of the children eagerly waiting to see jolly Saint Nick, it didn’t seem to dampen the mood of the season for the brave and hearty parade watchers but rather ramped it up as the falling flakes from the pre-winter storm made for a more festive feeling and helping the reality sink in as there are only three and a half weeks left till Christmas.