Dear Editor:
As Fergus Santa Claus Parade marshal, it is my esteemed pleasure to announce that, once again, we had a phenomenal parade on Dec. 3.
The weather was uncertain and yes, blustery cold at the assembly lot (thank you A.O. Smith for allowing us that privilege), however, reports claimed that in-town the winds subsided and the parade barely noticed the effects.
There were a few cancellations due to the weather, however 98% of all registered floats/walking groups appeared. My impressions come from the parade participants – so if you were there and liked the event, please share.
It went well. It could not have done so without the volunteers and members of the service club organizations who sponsor the parade. Kudos to the Fergus Optimists, Kinsmen, Rotary, Lions, Knights of Columbus, and all non-member volunteers; without you we could not have done it. Thanks to Elliott Bus lines for the registration/warming bus – you are tops.
Many local businesses and youth groups were involved and we salute you all! By the way, if Remedy’s Rx float left you wondering, mummers are a Newfoundland Christmas tradition (Google it).
Thanks to the Ringettes, the Fergus Army Cadets, The Fergus Mustangs, and the Cub Scouts for being there – youth groups like yours are the future of us all. Special thanks to Shoetopia Fergus for collecting the CW Food Bank donations – good job, Peter. Austin Cardinell and the Grand 101, thanks for the commentary.
Lastly, a big heartfelt thank you to our first responders – CW OPP and Fergus Fire Rescue – as well as the Branch 275 Fergus Legion for leading the parade. We all are better because of you! And finally, thanks to all the residents of this wonderful community we call home for coming out and supporting the parade. You, as always, are tops.
Brian Martin,
Parade marshall,
Fergus Lions Club