Last Saturday in Lunenburg was the much-anticipated annual Santa Claus Parade, and with over 40 floats participating and large crowds of spectators all around it seemed to us like the whole town was involved! Spirits were high as our Picton Castle shore crew and friends gathered at Blockhouse Hill by our float in partnership with The Dory Shop, waiting for the parade to begin.
Each participant in our group donned an elf hat or was dressed in foul weather gear and sou’westers to match the dory fisherman theme of our float. Ashlee of our shore crew and Justin from the Dory Shop had worked hard together to create a beautiful float for us all, featuring a Dory Shop dory as the centrepiece with beautiful Christmas garlands, lobster traps and buoys placed all around, with very festive accents.
Ashlee, Maggie, Bronwen and Danielle of our shore crew walked along the parade handing out chocolates and flyers for The Chandlery holiday sale. Friends and some former crew of the Picton Castle, including Erin, Annie, Gabe, Jason, Tom and others also walked alongside the float helping us hand out candy to eager spectators. On our float, sitting in the dory, we had the kids, Linda, and a very sweet dog named Loki greeting those who had come out to watch the parade. Justin from the Dory Shop also walked along the float handing out chocolate while decked out head to toe in a gingerbread man costume, much to the delight of many children in the crowd.
At the end of the parade, as per tradition, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus wrapped up the festivities. But a surprise we didn’t expect was right before Santa’s arrival, the Grinch drove by! He took a picture with Annie once the parade was over.
In addition to the Santa Claus parade, the Picton Castle elves were also getting into the holiday spirit down at The Chandlery for our holiday shopping weekend. Maggie made cookies and hot chocolate to share with visitors as they browsed, and John at The Chandlery had set up a beautiful Christmas display in his part of the shop. We are excited to have some new merchandise at the shop, also available online! To check out our new Picton Castle hoodies and notebooks, click here.
It was a very cold day, with temperatures below zero, but the sun was bright and shining! It ended up being the perfect day for an afternoon holiday parade. Thanks to all who helped make this a wonderful time!
