3 minute read
"Making Spirits Bright" in Kingsville
By Paul Forman
“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas” in the town of Kingsville.
The streets were lined with hundreds of bundled up little ones and their families excited to be taking in all of the magical sights and sounds of Kingsville’s Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, November 19.
Following the parade, many attendees then ventured over to Lakeside Park to enjoy the opening ceremonies for this year’s Fantasy of Lights Celebration.
Karen Loney, Manager of Recreation and Special Events for the Town of Kingsville, was thrilled with a total of 72 twinkling entries lighting up the night in the evening parade. The theme for this year’s parade was “Making Spirits Bright”.
“A lot of people are going through difficult times and this would put a smile on their faces,” said Loney. Sponsorship of the parade was provided by WFCU, Highline Mushrooms and Main Street Dental.
After the parade, the pavilion at Lakeside Park was bustling with festive holiday activities. Some Guys Who Like To Sing, a county acapella group, performed many Christmas classics, while Mayor Dennis Rogers hinted to the enthusiastic crowd that a special guest would soon be arriving.
With the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus, Mayor Rogers and his two junior assistants flicked on the switch for the park’s 30th Annual Fantasy of Lights. After warming up with hot chocolate and filling tummies with sweet gingerbread cookies, families took a leisurely stroll to enjoy all of the lit displays in the park. Fantasy of Lights runs until January 4th at Kingsville’s Lakeside Park.
Photos by Paul Forman and Greg Coulter
Photos by Paul Forman and Greg Coulter
Kingsville Mayor Dennis Rogers switches on the lights in Lakeside Park.
Parade participants Maddy and Leah of Whoville
Young parade goers taking in the sights.
Cottam Beavers Maddox and Ruby.
Guests of honour Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus waved to the crowd.
The Noah Homes float helped light up the night.
Members of the Kingsville-Essex Band.
From left, Ella Riley, Lauren DeYong, Morgan DeYong and Kole Hart enjoying Fantasy of Lights.
The Grinch’s heart grew three sizes while on the SK Cornerstone float.
Scarlett Campbell, left, and her brother Liam look out from the lighthouse display.
Some Guys Who Like to Sing spread holiday cheer with their renditions of Christmas songs.
Kingsville Town Council enjoying the festivities. Left to right: Sheri Lowrie, Larry Patterson, Tony Gaffan, Mayor Dennis Rogers, Debby Jarvis-Chause and Deputy Mayor Kimberly DeYong.
Pictured with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus are, from left to right, Lyla Sacasa, Emma Barker, Ben Barker and Noelle Sacasa.
