KAWARTHA LAKES-When Fenelon Falls hosted its first Santa Claus Parade in 1937, it created quite the sensation in the village. For kids growing up during the great depression, who typically had precious few toys (especially by today’s standards) and might not get a lot for Christmas, this celebration was unforgettable. It began with the village fire siren, then in keeping with the very Victorian, British sensibilities of the time, this parade featured Napoleon Bonaparte, Charles Dickens and the Duke of Wellington. Santa Claus’ sleigh was pulled by a yoke of oxen and he handed out candy and oranges. An orange was a traditional Christmas gift, and something truly special for many farm families who were used to subsisting largely on the fruits of their own labour. Having any fresh produce at all in winter was a memorable occasion. This Santa Claus parade was an event for the families of Fenelon Falls—350 children attended, which was practically every kid in town.
The inaugural Santa Claus parade was such a roaring success—who didn’t expect it to become an annual event? In an era when most people had little more than the bare necessities, a parade was something that the community could work together to create. Many people put a lot of effort into designing their floats and the entries were often quite creative: Humpty Dumpty sitting on a wall on top of a car (hoping he didn’t have a great fall!), the old woman who lived in a shoe, and typically marching bands. One year, Santa Claus stood on top of a cube van for the parade. Fenelon Falls did what they could, with what people had on hand.
In 1999 the committee decided to try something new—a night time parade, which would allow floats to showcase beautiful Christmas lights. By then, generators and artificial lights were common, luxuries that practically no one would have had six decades earlier. The Santa Claus parade became Santa Day featured many activities like bouncy castles, dog sleds rides, wagon rides, Zoo to You, a petting zoo, face painting, J’s Magic, a stilt walker, and a living statue. For the tenth anniversary, fireworks were introduced, and visitors came to expect them every year. By then the many of the floats were hired, whereas originally, they all relied on local ingenuity. Santa Day needed enthusiastic fundraising.
Santa Day has grown into an event that draws a crowd from well beyond its home community. Today the visitors number in the thousands and line the main street on both sides of the bridge for the parade. Every year, there are many activities all around town. Always the last Saturday in November, Santa Day is this week. The events around town take place from 11 am to 4 pm, with the parade at 5 pm with fireworks to follow. For more information see: www.santaday.ca
This story is part of our partnership with Maryboro Lodge, The Fenelon Falls Museum and was written by Glenn Walker.
If you want to make a donation to the museum, you can e-transfer to: [email protected] or mail a cheque to :
Maryboro Lodge Museum
Box 179
50 Oak Street
Fenelon Falls, ON
K0M 1N0
