The Christmas parades are back, and the world is better for it. All across the valley, communities are getting together to do something that everyone loves but that has been missing for the last couple of years. In my riding of Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke, each and every parade is a special experience that speaks in a very visual way about the people, the organizations, the businesses and their expressions of community spirit.

This past weekend, I was able to attend parades in both Cobden and Pembroke.

The Cobden parade is a daytime parade that brings out people from all around the area and sends out the message that Christmas is near. As the first parade of the season in our area, that is most appropriate.

For many years now, the Pembroke parade has been an evening parade, and this year’s edition was truly spectacular. As many as 70 floats took part in the parade, witnessed by the biggest crowd I’ve ever seen in Pembroke.

The floats and the work that goes into them are something to appreciate, and my hat goes off to all those who work so hard to make these parades so very special.

But what really is the most wonderful part of the Christmas/Santa Claus parades is the joy and excitement shown by the children as they anxiously await the arrival of the jolly old elf. As I move along the parade routes exchanging greetings with so many people, it is the reactions of the children that leave the most lasting impressions. The joy of children—isn’t that what it’s all about? I look forward to experiencing more of it this weekend.

Merry Christmas to one and all.

I’m not sure if he’s watching today, but a former—well, he’s not a former friend of ours; he’s still a friend of ours, Percy Hatfield.

Percy, this one’s for you, if you’re keeping an eye:

It’s always a pleasure to stand up for my riding.

But this morning my statement seems to be rhyming.

‘Twas the day before December, and all through this House,

Members got so quiet, you could even hear a mouse.

And if you’re looking for plans to be made,

Come to Kitchener–Conestoga for a Santa Claus parade.

The floats and decorations have been made with care.

In hopes that St. Nicholas would soon be there.

Elmira this Saturday, New Hamburg on Sunday.

Bring the whole family and you’ll have a fun day.

If you’re busy this weekend there’s no need to take fright.

Wellesley has their parade on December the 9th.

And if you still think Santa will never be seen,

He’ll also be in St. Clements on December 17.

You’ll see me or my helpers, I call them my staff.

Like Santa’s own elves they work and they laugh.

Keep an eye out for Cupid, for Donner and Blitzen,

And my new friends MPPs Riddell and Dixon.

Look for this jolly old elf with a brightly lit sign,

Propped up by hockey sticks and held together with twine.

As I look at the clock I can see my time’s tight.

So Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.