After circling through Barrie in a vintage fire truck, accompanied by a small entourage of city vehicles, Santa finally arrived in downtown Barrie on Saturday afternoon to kick off the area’s Noella Festival.
Without a full-blown parade it was a toned-down affair but the Christmas revellers who gathered in Meridian Square listening to music and those who ambled down the Dunlop Street — closed to all vehicles with the exception of Santa and his crew, of course — just getting out was a treat.
The pandemic forced the cancellation of all the events last year and allowed for only a small version this year.
For Charlotte (5), Elizabeth (9) and Keira (3), who came down to Memorial Square with their dad, Eugene O’Driscoll, it was a treat just the same.
“I was making them guess who’s coming,” said O’Driscoll.
“He just said it started with an ‘S’,” added Elizabeth.
And as they waited for Santa and the tree lighting which would follow, they just took in the atmosphere.
Bands played on the stage in Meridian Square, there were a few pop-up kiosks and artist Stacey Feldman had her own creation, The Steam Punkin, on display as a unique background for family picture opportunities.
It’s an annual affair for the O’Driscolls, one that they missed attending last year.
And even though there was no big parade and the crowds that usually accompany it, they were happy to just take in the downtown atmosphere waiting for Santa’s arrival.
“This is a quiet one,” said O’Driscoll. “At least people are getting back out again, which is nice.”
Adam Kulmala, with sons Jackson and Liam, also decided to enjoy a festive Open Air Dunlop.
“We live close by and we just decided to see Santa,” said Adam. “We hear he’s on his way."
The Kulmalas regularly enjoy the festive season in the core and were keen to catch whatever action was on offer.
Although this year offered a great deal more elbow room from the typical year when masses gather at the end of the parade route, the Kulmalas were just happy to get out.
