Brad Warren, a 5 year Pheasant Run staffer, kicked-off the idea of entering Pheasant Run into the Newmarket Santa Claus Parade. I didn't know what to expect, after-all I had never done anything like this in the past. Walking the streets as a participant, "What was that going to be like?"
The day was excellent for a walk, cool morning, bright sun and no wind. Pheasant Run's contingent of volunteers were pumped and ready to go. We heard rumours that 15000 people would be on the streets. "Could this be true?" I thought.
The Parade of 62 floats started down Lorne Ave to Eagle St, both streets were nicely lined with Families and children, wow, I thought good turn-out. The crowds steadily began to build, more kids, from newborns in the arms of Moms and Dads, strollers, troddlers, school aged to teenagers. The energy on the street was electric. The bags of candy canes on my arms began to hand themselves out, the smiles on the young-ones faces lifted me.
I was not prepared for the crowds that awaited us as we made the turn onto Main Street. Wow! The boulevard was packed with young and old from all parts of Newmarket. So that's what 15000 people looks like! I definitely needed more candy canes, my bags were almost empty. I hurried back to our slay...I mean the Pheasant Run float and filled my sacks to the top, and raced back to the awaiting crowds.
Great job Brad, thanks for asking me to participate. Did I mention that we won "Best Commercial/Business Float"...
Merry Christmas!
Mark Sharpe
sharpe.golf[at]gmail.com
Posts
