NEWPORT — With a light snow putting everyone in the holiday spirit, nearly 1,000 people attended this year’s Santa Parade and Festival in downtown Newport on Saturday.
Santa and The Balloon King each had long lines of children waiting to meet them in Santa’s Workshop.
Sandy Thorpe, from RCT Shuttle, gave away 12 gallons and 300 cups of hot chocolate in the first hour of Santa’s Workshop, which was very crowded as families and children played games and watched a free holiday movie.
Down the street at Jocelyn and Cinta’s Bakery, children were decorating Christmas cookies, and merchants throughout the city held holiday sales.
The parade came through, followed by around 100 runners dressed in Santa costumes. The floats in the parade were judged in four categories. The winners were:
Most Colorful – A tie between North Country Hospital and Community National Bank
Most Humorous – JJ Country 94.5
Best Theme – Orleans-Essex Special Olympics
Best of Show – Missisquoi Valley Arabians.
Following the parade and Santa Run, an awards ceremony was held at the very crowded Brown Dog Bistro. Phil White was given the famed “Broken Candy Cane,” award for his efforts organizing the run.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the border in Stanstead, the Place Del Monty held a Christmas Market.
Hundreds of visitors came through the Del Monty on Saturday, and were treated to a live performance by Mike Goudreau at noon. The music continued throughout the afternoon.
Children lined up to let Santa know what they wanted for Christmas, while parents enjoyed homemade Christmas cookies.
Local craft vendors from across the Eastern Townships were set up selling high quality, locally made Christmas items to visitors.
