Joined: Feb 2007
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December 22nd 1934 is the date of the first Santa parade, (75 years ago)
12/22/2009 at 7:51 AM
This was the first time in Brandon that the children’s Patron Saint visited Brandon at the invitation of the Kiwanis, Rotary, and Kinsmen service clubs.
In this first presentation of magic, wonder, and excitement the red-garbed visitor headed his procession of floats seated atop of a decorated Snowplough, an accessory on loan from the Good Roads. Fuelled by the recently released popular song that repeatedly advised that “Santa Claus is coming to town” wide eyed worshippers lined the streets of down town, and along several residential streets toward Central School where Santa was able to meet his faithful subjects and distribute his dreamed of treats.
On the commercial side, Merchants agreed that “trade had been whopping,” but were not impressed with a new provincial statute designating December 26th (Boxing Day) a public holiday. Patrol Officers were assigned to enforce the new goodwill season regulations, but were not required because a wintry onslaught that began on Christmas day continued through the 26th day preventing the commercial doors from re-opening until December 27th 1934.
Source: Brandon a City, by G. F. Barker.