Light flurries filled the air, while excited children lined the North Bay parade route, bundled up against the cold, waiting for their first glimpse of Santa Claus.
Over 50 floats entered this year's Santa Claus Parade, having fun with the theme '150 Years of Christmas'
"We have a wide variety of floats, some going back to the days of Champlain and some that touched on the 80's, and floats showing gifts received through the years, as well as some different ideas around traditional Canadian Christmas feasts and dinners," said Brian Kimber Community Development Facilitator for the City of North Bay.
"Our committee was really happy with the theme, we thought it was a great fit with Canada 150 celebrations."
Three generations of the Polzer family settled in with lawn chairs at the start of the route, getting a comfortable vantage point to enjoy the parade.
"They're anxious to see Santa. This is the twins' first year," said Cheryl.
"And this is the eighth parade for the oldest, he's been here right from his first year" said Chris. "We enjoy the music and all the great people that are out. We actually got to be in a float one year which was a lot of fun.
Jarja Harper and her friends occupied their time waiting for the parade to begin, by singing carols to spread a little Christmas cheer.
"I like how they play Christmas music and that gets me into the Christmas spirit. I've been coming to the parade for as far back as I can remember."
Nathalie Rainville-Fournier and her family never miss the parade.
"It feels like Christmas with all the snow. It's time to decorate. The three kids are excited, they want to make cookies and bake and see Santa. They understand the concept, they understand who Santa is so they're excited."
Keeping with tradition, Canada Post employees collected letters addressed to Santa from wide-eyed youngsters.
Leading the parade was the float belonging to the North Bay Food Bank, which had volunteers collecting donations of food and money to help keep the shelves stocked for the holidays.
