Magic in the works for Toronto's annual Santa Claus parade
· Toronto Sun
It is just over two weeks away and Santa’s secret workshop was abuzz with activity on this week.
Visit palladian.co.za for more information.
Preparation is well under way for the 122nd Original Santa Claus Parade in Toronto with the first parade being a “one-man show” of Santa back in 1905.
Peter Legget, one of Santa’s workshop elf-artist sculptors, was busy Thursday in the back workshop honing his skills putting finishing touches on a life-sized foam Rhinoceros set to be painted and placed atop the Jumanji: Open World float.
“This guy took about, maybe, two weeks. We just threw him together fast,” said Leggett., as he affixed the Rhino’s helmet to the body. “Because he is big, so he doesn’t have to be that detailed.”
Legget squints to think, eyeing his Rhino friend, stating he thinks he has been working for the parade since about 1979 or 1980 when it was the Eaton’s department store Santa Claus Parade.
Fantastic artists and carpenters over the years
Over the years Legget said “we have had some fantastic artists and carpenters.”
“Great people over the years.”
He said what brings him to work everyday is that he still “gets a kick” out of creating things for the floats that children marvel at along the parade route.
“Oh that’s why I have done it for – I think 46 years now,” said Legget. “Where else are you going to come and make things like this all the time.”
Clay Charters, CEO and president of the 122nd Original Santa Claus Parade, said from Santa’s secret workshop on Thursday that the parade “is a special part of the city’s fabric.”
“You can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with neighbours and friends and family and strangers,” said Charters. “Who are all there for the common purpose to enjoy the holidays together.”
Santa explains the magic of the parade
Of course Santa Claus explained the magic of the parade the best.
“This is bringing a city together and as a small town,” said Santa. “This is your opportunity to watch for it and be part of it.”
This year will see 23 floats and hundreds of Santa’s helpers and performers set off at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22, from Christie Pits and Bloor St. W. heading east to Yonge St. and then south winding through the lower downtown core before ending up at St. Lawrence market.