The sidewalks were lined with people of all ages as Santa and his fleet of floats representing Etobicoke community groups on Dec. 6.
The parade travelled along Lake Shore Boulevard West from Dwight Avenue to Long Branch Avenue, drawing crowds from the Long Branch neighbourhood.
Resident Charlie Farmer came out with his family for the first time.
“I have come to the parade to see all the energy and to feel more joy this holiday season,” Farmer said.
“For me, the best part of the event was definitely seeing all of the floats and seeing all the kids' faces,” he said.
He said that it made him hopeful for more community gatherings.
“It also made me feel hope that communities are starting to come together again and can come together again,” he said.
He said that he is so excited to return in the future.
“I will most definitely come back in the future, the atmosphere was so wonderful,” he said.
VP of Promotions at Mimico Lacrosse, Jenna Harrison, said the group loved participating in the Lakeshore Santa Parade this year.
“The parade was a really fun and positive experience. Our lacrosse group had a great time being part of the Santa Claus parade. The energy was amazing, everyone was in the holiday spirit, and it was awesome to represent our team in the community,” she said.
Harrison said Mimico Lacrosse was not a part of the parade for quite a while and that they were happy to change that.
“We have participated in the parade in the past to promote lacrosse, our club, and to connect with the community, and after several years of not joining, there was a lot of excitement to return to represent Mimico lacrosse in this great local parade,” she said.
Harrison said the children in their clubs look forward to playing the game and representing their team to those who came out on Saturday.
“The kids loved putting on their double blue apparel and representing our lacrosse organization, building community spirit, and sharing our love for the sport," she said. "Our players love telling people about lacrosse and being ambassadors for the team. It’s a great way to bring our teams together, connect with families, and spread holiday cheer while promoting lacrosse in a fun way.”
Harrison said she is grateful for the connections that come from being a part of a team and community.
“Events like this give them a stage to show their love for lacrosse and to encourage others to join them. The best part of sport is the friendships made and times spent together that often stay with you a lifetime,” she said.
Marissa Catena, the social director for Etobicoke Dolphins women's hockey, said they love coming out to celebrate annually
“Taking part in the Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade is always a highlight for our Etobicoke Dolphins families. The energy on the route was incredible between holiday music, cheering crowds, and our girls keeping the spirit high with Dolphins' chants. We even had a street hockey game going for the entire length of the parade,” Catena said.
She said that this parade is a great opportunity to form connections and encourage togetherness.
“We join the parade because it’s a chance to showcase the Dolphins and promote our values of teamwork, fun, and community spirit," Catena said. "Hockey brings our girls together on the ice, but events like this remind us that being a Dolphin is bigger than the scoreboard. It’s about representing our community with pride and connecting with fellow Dolphins as well as those who support youth sports all year long.”
She said events like this have really helped them recruit players and encourage inclusivity for young girls to pursue hockey.
“There have been many instances where our organization was discovered through events such as the parade or by one of our players wearing our swag. We want girls to know that there is a place for them where girls can be players too,” she said.
Catena said their players love setting a tone and being role models for younger kids.
“For the players, the parade is pure joy," she said. "They love wearing their jerseys, waving to younger kids who look up to them, and feeling like a real part of Etobicoke’s holiday traditions.
"It’s also a rare chance for the players to come together outside the rink, laugh, bond, and make memories that last long after the season is over. Participating in the parade reflects the heart of our organization,” Catena said.
Michael Keane, Chair of a Toronto Irish Sports Club, said the players were happy to join the parade.
“Our young athletes aged 3 to 14 years old from Toronto Michael Davitts Gaelic Athletic Association (TMD) were a colourful and energetic presence at this year’s Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade," he said. "Proudly representing their club and celebrating community spirit in Toronto’s west end.
"Players and families took part in the festive event, enjoying the chance to give back while showcasing their growing sport,” said Keane, who is the chair for the Toronto Michael Davitts Gaelic Athletic Association.
Director of Innovative Rhythm Dance Studios, Shauna Morris, said the dance team came out with ambition and spirit.
“This is our second year in the parade, and we love getting out in the community," she said. "It is a great opportunity for our dancers to have more performance experience in a different environment, and we love interacting with our community.
“It's a fun way to show people what Etobicoke has to offer, as it is a vibrant place to live with lots of different opportunities and to let people not only know about our studio but see us in action as well,” Morris said.
She said the studio is celebrating a big milestone this year.
“We are a family-friendly studio who values community, leadership and teamwork. We are also celebrating our 25th anniversary this year, so it is a big year for us,” Morris said.
Toronto Police Const. Stephanie Miceli said that their team focuses on constant reassurance of safety and enjoyment for those attending.
“Any time there is a large event in the city, police are going to be in attendance in order to maintain public safety,” Miceli said.
She said that officers look forward to coming out and celebrating with the community.
“Events like the Etobicoke-Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade are very special, because officers get to enjoy the holiday spirit with all of the parade spectators. Witnessing the happiness the Santa Claus Parade brings to people of all ages is always something our officers enjoy participating in,” Miceli said.
Toronto Fire Mechanical Division Chief Rob Anselmi said that it brings great pride for his team to lead the way this holiday season innovatively.
“As a lifetime Etobicoke boy, it gives me great pleasure to continue the involvement of Toronto Fire Services in the Lakeshore Christmas Parade," Anselmi said. "The Etobicoke firefighters started this tradition over 30 years ago, using an antique aerial truck with a large group of members handing out candy while music blares from the on-board sound system."
Anselmi said attending the parade allows them to show the community all of the technology they rely on when responding to emergency calls.
“It is a great way to showcase the technology used by the women and men of Toronto Fire Services that are protecting the citizens of Toronto every day. Red and blue emergency lights, the occasional shot of the electronic air-horn and siren. Overall, we love to see the smiling kids, and are wishing everyone a Merry Christmas,” he said.
