Santa Claus parade headlines holiday fun in Tamworth

Justin Medve

For The Beaver

Tamworth was a one-stop shop for holiday excitement as family, friends and floats came together for its annual Santa Claus parade Sunday, Dec. 3.

Adding to the festivities, surrounding-area artisans participated in the usual accompanying Village Christmas Craft Fair in buildings along the parade’s route.

Over 30 groups and businesses took part in leading Santa and Mrs. Claus up Tamworth’s main strip, with plenty of variety in how they showed their holiday spirit. 

Some were on foot, others on floats. Plenty danced their way up the street and lots of candy was handed out.

Costumes like the Grinch and Sparky the Fire Dog drew eyes, not to mention the attention given to horses and unicycle riders.

Playing loud and proud, the Napanee and District Caledonia Pipe Band was amongst a steady lineup of floats featuring Christmas tunes.

MP Mike Bossio also made an appearance, wishing parade-goers well and high-fiving his way up the street.

Some other participants included Tamworth Lions Club, Tamworth Public School and the TECDC Grassroots Growers.

Napanee OPP blocked intersections as the parade took its path up Concession Street South to Concession Street North. Floats turned onto Addington Street before looping back down Bridge Street West for a final pass.

Soon, the reviews were in: twins Oliver and Charlie Adam said that the unicycle riders and waving to Santa were their favourite parts of the parade. They also shared that they took advantage of donated ice time at Stone Mills Recreation Centre earlier in the day.

Village Christmas Craft Fair vendors, stationed at the Tamworth Public Library and main-street storefronts, also looked to be a hit. The variety was there, too – all of it home made.

Stained-glass artist Sue Wade of Sageleaf Whimsy Stained Glass Studio said it’s important for vendors to make their product as available as they can, especially around the holidays.

“We want kids who have $5 or a few loonies or toonies to spend to buy something for Grandma – or to be able to afford to buy art,” Wade said.

”People are getting to the point where they’re appreciating the work that goes into a gift,” said Judy Dumbleton of Judy’s Jams, Jellies and Jarfuls, who makes preservatives from longtime family recipes.

Some other potential gifts included knitting, soaps, ceramics and all sorts of holiday decorations. Repurposed jewelry was also a popular concept, with several vendors turning copper and silverware into unique works.

After the parade, Santa’s sleigh took its own course to the Tamworth legion. There, kids eager to sit on his lap and receive an early gift gave him a big entrance.

A Christmas card workshop, led by Salmon River Studios artist Gabriel

Deerman, also gave young ones a chance to make a gift of their own. Deerman has been circuiting local schools with similar crafts, he said.

 For some, that’s a pretty full day. But for local mother Lori Burke, there’s still one thing left to do: put up the family Christmas tree.

“We always do it the day of the parade,” Burke told the Beaver.

Either way, families walked away with smiles on and their hands full. Organizer Lorraine Prue was quick to share the outcome of everyone’s efforts, from decorating to donations.

“It was fantastic,” Prue said. “Couldn’t have been better.”

The area’s next holiday get-together is a Christmas nativity and carol singing event at Tamworth United Pentecostal Church on Dec 17 at 6 p.m. Warm drinks and food will be served.