Bolton Santa Claus Parade brings Christmas cheer to Caledon

By Zachary Roman

Early in the morning on Saturday, December 3, it was cold, rainy, and windy — not the best conditions for a Santa Claus parade.

But by 11 a.m., when the 49th Bolton Santa Claus Parade began, the weather had cleared up and the sun even came out for parts of the holiday procession.

The parade began at Highway 50 and Queensgate Boulevard and traveled North on Highway 50 until its completion near the Cenotaph on Bolton's North Hill.

Spectators young and old lined the streets of Bolton to watch the parade go by, cheering and waving to the approximately 40 different parade entrants. There was a full slate of bands in the parade playing Christmas music that got people in good spirits. There were dance troupes, martial artists, local sports teams, local businesses and more participating in the festivities.

Caledon Mayor Annette Groves was part of the parade, handing out candy alongside Ward 6 Councillor Cosimo Napoli, Ward 5 Councillor Tony Rosa, and Regional Councillor, Wards 4, 5 and 6 Mario Russo.

Caledon's local politicians were one of the many groups handing out holiday treats to the excited parade-watchers. While lots of candy was given out, food was donated too as Scouts went down the parade route collecting donations to the food bank.

The parade was made possible thanks to the Bolton Kin, who arranged for the bands and floats, secured sponsorships, planned road closures and more to make the parade a success.

Bolton Kin member John Stegeman, the Kin's Parade Chair this year who oversaw the organization of the successful event, noted before the parade how the business community really stepped up to make the parade possible.

“The true community spirit is alive and well in Bolton, so many thanks go out to all of the parade participants, bands, the OPP and everyone who braved the wind, rain, cold and then sun to welcome Santa back to Bolton after two years,” said the Bolton Kin in a thank you message after the parade. “Special thanks to all the members of Bolton Kin who went beyond the call of duty today and these past few months to bring Santa back.”

The Bolton Kin will host the Bolton Santa Claus parade again in 2023, marking the 50th anniversary of the Kin bringing the community together for the holidays.