Ho Ho Ho, It’s That Time of Year.

December is one of the nicest, albeit busiest, months, and of course, this year is no exception. I have been privileged to host the Scugog Santa Claus parade for Rogers TV for the past five years, and I must say, this year’s parade was bigger and better than ever.

The parade was held on December 3rd, but if you missed it, you can watch it on Rogers TV, starting Sunday, December 11th. In the event you do not have access to Rogers, it will also be viewable on YouTube, on my website (photosNtravel.com), The Standard website and the Scugog Chamber of Commerce website.

This year’s theme was ‘Rockin’ Christmas’. What made this parade so wonderful were the 500 participants, who rocked their socks off, as they danced along Simcoe and Queen Streets in Port Perry.

The Scugog Chamber of Commerce, the Township of Scugog, the Port Perry Lions Club, and Rogers TV, once again, presented the parade.

There were 40 floats, decorated from top to bottom, with lights, toys and lots of people dressed for the season. Dignitaries, such as MPP Todd McCarthy and our newly elected town council, waved as they braved the chilling, windy weather.

There were a dozen or so characters walking the parade route as well. Mickey and Minnie Mouse, the Grinch, a gingerbread person and of course, the Chamber mascot, Chamberlain, the dog.

The parade was led by our town crier, Bill McKee, who was followed by a special surprise guest. None other than Elvis, who rocked the streets as his float went by. Jackson Begley has been an Elvis tribute artist since he was three years old. I had the pleasure of interviewing him. and I must admit, he was fantastic. Not only his voice, which sounds amazing but also the moves; and yes, he looks like the King himself.

It was a treat listening to Irwin Smith crooning along and the Kawartha Kavaliers as they played their fantastic brass instruments. The Army Cadets and the North Durham Marching Band were also very entertaining. Of course, the highlight of the evening was the old saint himself, Santa, who made time, from his busy schedule, to join in the parade.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Santa prior to the parade, and he was certainly excited about being part of it. You can catch the interview, along with Elvis and a few other surprises, on RogersTV or YouTube.

I also want to give a big shout-out to my co-host, Jillian Howsam, who was one of the many organizers and has been for the past 20 years.

Jonathan van Bilsen is a television host, award-winning photographer, published author, columnist and keynote speaker. Watch his show, ‘Jonathan van Bilsen’s photosNtravel’, on RogersTV, the Standard Website or YouTube.