Joyous smiles of young and old are lighting up the streets of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality (CBRM) as the annual Santa Claus parades and Christmas tree light-ups get underway. The jolly old elf and all of his helpers will be out in full force as they parade through the communities that make up our city, ringing in tidings of joy for our citizens.
The parade season–which kicked off last Saturday evening in Sydney Mines–continues this weekend in Louisbourg (November 25), North Sydney (November 26), and New Waterford (November 27). This weekend will also see the Sydney Waterfront District (SWD) light up for the holidays in a fun-filled family event taking place at City Hall on Friday, November 25, at 6:30pm. The Sydney Waterfront District and Sydney Credit Union invites all to this year’s tree lighting complete with carolling, free hot chocolate, cider, and goodies. Come visit with Santa and give him your Christmas wish list.
Sydney Credit Union CEO, Robert Coffin says, “The Holidays are a time for good will and coming together. With the recent flooding these have been tough times for many. It is our hope that the annual tree lighting will brighten the spirits of those affected.” Coffin adds, “We are pleased to be part of this great community event.”
“This year marks the tenth year for the tree lighting celebration,” says SWD Executive Director, Michelle Wilson. “We’re so thankful for the support from the community over the past ten years. To show our thanks, we’re hosting a food drive for Loaves and Fishes.”
The Sydney Waterfront District Tree Lighting, presented by Sydney Credit Union, will be the perfect way for the community to come together and kick off the holiday season, which will include parades in Reserve (December 3), Sydney (December 3), Dominion (December 4), and Glace Bay (December 10). Tree lighting celebrations are scheduled for December 2 in Dominion and December 10 in Marion Bridge.
“Approximately 300 entries took part in the nine 2015 parades,” says CBRM Recreation program coordinator Joe Costello. “It is a time when the organizations and businesses of our community are able to express themselves and connect with our residents as we share in the spirit of the season.”
Full schedule and parade routes are available at CBRMSantaClaus.ca.
