KENSINGTON, P.E.I. - A light snow flurry created a whirl-of-motion as dozens passed by on floats, cars, trucks, carriages, and horses, while decked in dazzling festive displays and yelling Christmas greetings to the cheerful crowd gathered on the sidewalks for the annual Kensington Christmas Parade late Sunday afternoon.
Robert Wood, chairman of the Kensington Christmas Parade, said the snow flurry added to the holiday spirit.
“The weather is perfect. There’s a little bit of snow coming down, but it’s not too cold and it adds to the Christmas feel,” he chimed.
Wood acknowledged the community support for the parade now in its 15th year is “tremendous” and said, “We’re expecting 50 to 75 floats, but the turnout is much higher than we thought and there are lots of animals this year too.”
Several horses decked in all the bells and whistles clip-clopped down the street bringing plenty of good cheer and almost stealing the show from the main star of the event – Santa Claus.
Lance Cole was with family and friends watching the magic unfold.
“We come every year to watch the parade because it’s about hanging out with friends and family while enjoying the festive atmosphere – especially for the kids,” he motioned to them huddled on the sidewalk dressed warmly in mitts, hats, and coats.
Among the floats were a group of bikers that rolled with a purpose for a sensitive cause.
“Our organization is all about the kids,” said ‘Buck,’ the sergeant-at-arms for Guardians of the Children – P.E.I. West. “We recognize and react to child abuse and educate the public to do the same and serve as advocates to provide strength and stability to those in crisis.”
The group speaks up for those that are afraid to and believe every child matters.
Buck continued, “We become friends with the child, take them bowling or for ice-cream, so when they do go to court to testify they can look at us and it’s a familiar face. It’s proven to work and there are chapters across Canada.”
Guardians of the Children – P.E.I. West had 22 participants with their float.
The parade kicked off at the Credit Union Centre at 5 p.m. and wrapped up at the Kensington Train Station.
Tree lighting, music, hot chocolate, cookies, and hotdogs followed for everyone.
The Town of Kensington float collected non-perishable food donations during the event in aid of the Kensington Lions Club Food Bank.
