A cool and crisp Friday evening in Elliot Lake was something Santa Claus is more familiar with from his home at the North Pole.
For the second year in a row with COVID restrictions and a static parade held, Santa made his annual trek to visit the the city to the joy of all residents, but maybe the youngest ones in particular.
The static parade marked 42 years Santa has visited Elliot Lake for the holiday season and this year because of its static status floats and other entries were set up at points throughout the city with residents driving along the route to view.
Among the entries were homes, businesses, local clubs including Lions and Rotary clubs, the Elliot Lake Red Wings hockey club, OPP and fire, local riding politicians NDP MP Carol Hughes and NDP MPP Michael Mantha, in costume and maybe not as recognizable and of course Santa who was set up outside city hall to greet people in their vehicles.
The event caused some traffic congestion along the route and particularly in the downtown core where many of the entries and floats were displayed, but people took it in stride.
A particular hardy and colourful display was put on by the local dance studio youngsters as cars slowed down and drove by just outside their new studio on Ontario Avenue.
The weather was chilly but clear as Elliot Lakers are accustomed to this time of year.
Santa wished all the youngsters and parents a “Merry Christmas.”
The city is expected to publish the winners of the entries’ competition in the static parade this weekend on its website.