The Trenton Santa Claus Parade delighted thousands of spectators with marching bands and entertainers, this past weekend. Everyone was in high spirits and enthusiastic crowds lined the streets from Centennial Park to Queen St. to see what is undoubtedly; one of the best parades in the Quinte Region.
“I am amazed year after year with the effort and creativity from businesses, schools and community groups” says Suzanne Andrews, manager at the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce. “This parade could not exist without the businesses and groups putting in the time and energy necessary to get their floats ready. They were well decorated and they lit up the streets to kick off the holiday season. The weather was just perfect this year and all the spectators, especially the children seemed to really appreciate the music, the floats and the candy.”
“This parade could not happen without the sponsorships, logistical support and generous donations from the City of Quinte West, local businesses, service groups and individuals. They make the Trenton Santa Claus Parade possible and enables us to bring in some fantastic bands to entertain the crowds,” says Andrews.
“On behalf of the organizing committee, I would like to send a special thank you to Brian Swartman and Brad Graham and all of the volunteer firefighters for ensuring the floats were all lined up on time and the parade ran smoothly,” says Stephanie Wilson, parade coordinator. They ensure the parade always leaves on time and everyone has a great time. “A special thank you to Wayne Campbell, his continued dedication helps to make this parade a success every year.” Wayne volunteers countless hours to prepare for Santa’s arrival to Quinte West and keeps Santa’s float looking its’ best in the parade year after year. As well, thank you to Frank & Bev Meiboom from M&R Automotive who provides a warm place to decorate Santa’s Float and delicious treats to all of the helpers every year.
Thank you to Tim Horton’s for donating hot chocolate and Timbits and for the Lions club for providing hot food and hot drinks in Centennial Park, this helped to keep everyone’s energy up while they waited in the parade line up.
The Quinte West Chamber of Commerce would like to extend a huge thank you to all the businesses, service clubs, community organizations, schools and volunteers that took part in this years’ parade. A group of judges have determined the 2016 parade award winners which will be handed out at ceremony at City Hall on December 8 at 10:00am.
The 2016 Parade Winners
| Best Youth Float | |
| Kodiak Concert Band | Theme: Marching Band |
| Sponsored by: McDonald’s Restaurant | |
| Best Community Service Float | |
| 8 Wing Trenton & Trenton MFRC | Theme: Air Force Holidays |
| Sponsored by: Trenton Cold Storage | |
| Best Musical Entertainment | |
| Studio 2 | Theme: Live Music |
| Sponsored by: City of Quinte West | |
| Best Service Industry Float | |
| Dr. Younes | Theme: S.W.A.T Sparkling White Attractive Teeth |
| Sponsored by: QuintEssential Credit Union | |
| Best Commercial Float | |
| Free Flow Petroleum | Theme: Santa’s Workshop |
| Sponsored by: West End Dental Centre | |
| Best Christmas Theme | |
| St. Mary’s School Trenton | Theme: A Soldiers Christmas |
| Sponsored by: Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty | |
| Best Youth Theme | |
| Weller’s Bay Campground | Theme: Candy Land |
| Sponsored by: Scott's Haulage & Excavating Ltd | |
| Best Overall Float | |
| Bay of Quinte Harley Owners Group | Theme: Angry Birds Christmas |
| Sponsored by: Whitley Financial Services | |
People’s Choice Award
This award will be announced on December 8th. Voting closes on Tuesday, December 6 th CLICK HERE to vote online.
Sponsored by: Scotiabank
The Jeanette Chappelle Memorial Award for “Youth Community Spirit” will be awarded to Ecole L'Envol this year. It was wonderful to see so many young children in the parade with so much spirit. This award is Sponsored by Community Policing.
The bands in this year’s parade were paid for in part with the generous support of: Ken Leighton Ltd., Domtech Inc, Riverside Automotive, Knights of Columbus, Leon's Trenton, Bob's Portable Toilets, Randall's Office Supplies, Trenton Lions Club, Tommy's LeCave Travern Inc.
Logistical support & services for this year’s parade were provided by: International Truckload Services (ITS), M & R Auto Repair, Action Towing, Bill’s Johns, Custom Carts, Fellow’s Towing, Spelmer Chrysler, McCurdy GM, Larry’s Towing, Lion’s Club, City of Quinte West Public Works, Reilly’s Awards & Embroidery, Tim Horton’s and Trenton DBIA.
