KENSINGTON, P.E.I. — Jolly old Saint Nick wasn’t the only star of the show in the annual Kensington parade on Sunday evening.
Horses, ponies and even a Great Dane were dressed in festive good taste while assorted floats, a band, scouts, carolers, farm equipment and fire trucks aplenty cruised along the route with colourful lights and jingle bell sounds.
Robert Wood, chairman of the parade, said participation is always high.
“We usually have about a dozen horses and donkeys, but I expect at least double that amount tonight. We have around 40 to 60 floats in the parade each year, but the support of the town is unbelievable. Floats are lining up on both sides of the road and it’s looking great,” said Wood.
The 1231 Kensington Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps marched between the floats, with captain Lori Pearce keeping everyone in synchronized step.
“The Kensington Legion is our cadet sponsor, but we have a very tight-knit community in Kensington, and everybody loves to come and show their support for the parade. You will see young, old, and everyone in between lining the route in rain, snow or shine. Families even bring their dogs to watch,” said Pearce.
She added, “This is my seventh year participating in the parade with my cadet unit. Seeing the smiles on kids' faces gives such a warm fuzzy feeling – no matter how cold the temperature tonight may be – because everyone is happy, and the parade rings in the start of the Christmas celebrations for the town.”
Shianne Adams, Heather Gravina, and Jordan MacLean came with their horses just to soak in the festive atmosphere and spread the Christmas cheer.
“We are not here representing any business in the parade. We just came to show our support for the town, communities and local businesses,” said Adams.
The annual parade kicked-off at the Credit Union Centre at 5 p.m. and rolled through the downtown, finishing at the Kensington Train Station near the Island Stone Pub.
Santa Claus enthusiastically waved and ho-ho-ho’d at the end of the parade before families began a parade of their own to participate in the tree lighting and Christmas carols at the train station gazebo.
