The Toronto's Christmas 2011 Santa Claus parade

Mrs. Claus will accompany Santa during the Toronto Christmas 2011 Parade for the very first time.



November 20, 2011 is the official Toronto Santa Claus Christmas Parade. This is one of the largest and one of the longest running Santa Christmas parades in the world and is the 105th edition of this event. Organizers are trying to prevent the “Occupy Toronto Protesters” from marching in the parade wearing Santa Hats. For the first time since its inception in 1906, Mrs. Claus will put in her appearance for the full parade duration in this Christmas 2011 parade.

The idea is to get as many parents and children to see Santa — who will be traveling from Lampart Stadium East on Bloor Street and South On Avenue Road, down University Avenue and then East on Wellington Street, culminating at the St Lawrence Marketplace.

“The turn out for this year's parade is estimated to be much larger than last year due to the excellent temperature in the double digits and sunny weather conditions.
The opening of the parade got underway with the Mayor of Toronto Rob Ford cutting the ribbon after a short message. Hundreds of thousands lined the streets to get a view of Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Twenty six of the most fabulous floats and 13 marching bands in their super cool band uniforms are some of the highlights.
At the same time, many charitable organizations have kicked off their annual fund and toy drives to help the needy children of this city for another Christmas. Unemployment is still a big factor in Toronto and it is estimated that many more people will be seeking some help short term.

Santa's Christmas parade has a tradition of altruism. And the theme is to make as many children as happy as possible during the festive season by supplying many of the in-demand toys and goodies to light up their little faces on that long awaited morning.

Many people will bring with them to the parade, bagged foodstuff, to be dropped off at designated areas for the food bank, non-perishable food items, which are collected and taken to the city's local food bank.

According to parade organizers, “People really enjoy performing this act of kindness, especially so at Christmas time” for many this is some of their happiest moments when they are able to contribute.

Starting promptly at or about noon, it will wind its way slowly down University Avenue and East on Wellington Street, to the St. Lawrence Market which is the end of the parade route.

As in previous years, there will be competition involving floats and school marching bands, Community groups and the usual multitude of diverse marching bands.
Toronto's Santa Christmas Parade is an old tradition— when one considers that Christmas 2011 marks the 105th year for Christmas-oriented festivities have become integral to Toronto's reputation as The Santa Christmas Extravaganza

“It's all about the excitement and gleam in the eyes of the children,” said the Chief Organizer of float production, who rides in the parade as Christmas 2011 Grand Marshal.
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Contact Sel Patterson at selge44@selsreviews.com