Do you know how many volunteers it takes to put together the Santa Claus Parade? Here are some fun facts for you to consider:
- The first Santa Claus Parade was held on Dec. 2, 1905 with only one float. By 1913, the parade featured live reindeer! 100 years later in 2013, the parade features 25 floats, 22 bands, 11 celebrity clowns and more than 1,500 volunteers. This year marks the 108th annual tradition.
- Mrs. Claus made her very first appearance in the Santa Claus Parade in 2011. She had her own float that led the way for Santa.
- The Parade is now more interactive for Santa's biggest fans – kids! Available on the website, a new colouring book featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus shares messages of volunteering.
- Celebrity Clowns are business professionals from within the community who dress as clowns and march in Toronto's Santa Claus Parade. This year, the Santa Claus Parade is celebrating the celebrity clown's 30th anniversary in the parade.
- Over 3,000 individuals volunteer their time to make the Santa Claus Parade a magical event every year.
- The RCMP will lead the way for Santa Claus this year on horseback! In 2010, the RCMP and Air North helped deliver over 4,000 toys to remote communities in the Yukon and Northwest Territories on behalf of Torontonians and donations from the Canadian Toy Association for the Santa Claus Parade initiative Toys for the North.
- The Ontario Association of Police Chiefs, from Ottawa, Toronto, York Region, Niagara Falls, Orangeville, Hamilton, Peel, Durham and London, will be distributing 50,000 holiday treat bags that include coupons, sidewalk chalk and various other treats prior to the official start of the parade.
