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Float winners announced for YK Santa Claus Parade

NNSL Media

Bone-chilled and ready to celebrate, Yellowknife welcomed in the 2017 holiday season.

The streets shutdown at 5 p.m. on Saturday as Yellowknifers took to the street for the arrival of Santa Claus.

The 2017 Santa Claus Parade started at city hall before marching down Franklin Avenue and ending up at Sir John Franklin high school. Freezing temperatures didn't stop the community from showing support.

“This parade was just long enough where we didn't have to spend much time in the cold,” said parade-goer Deaon Hope. “Overall the weather was fairly nice.”

The Yellowknife Co-op grocery store won best commercial float at the 2017 Santa Claus Parade.
Michael Hugall/ NNSL photo

Various schools, businesses and local organizations participated in the parade with floats portraying this year's theme of “favourite Christmas movie.”

A judging was held prior to the event for best float. The judges, Mayor Mark Hyeck and councillors Steven Payne, Julian Morse, Shauna Morgan and Rebecca Alty chose three winners for three different categories of best school, commercial business and not-for-profit.

The NWT Disabilities Council were awarded best not-for-profit float. Their theme of Star Wars included members of the council dressed up as characters from the movie.

The council could not be reached for comment because they are currently moving locations.

The Yellowknife Co-Op grocery store took home best commercial business float, as the store had their mascot Cooper the bear following behind a house which represents the business within the community.

“ We're happy to have won the accolade,” said Co-Op business development manager Jeff Kincade. “We love participating in community events.”

Lastly, Ecole Allain St-Cyr was awarded best float for a school with their theme of the “St-Cyr Express.”

Float organizer, Catherine Barlow said the theme, a play on words from the Polar Express movie, fit the with school's community way of thinking.

Following the parade, hot chocolate and dounts we're served to shivering community members at Ecole Sir John Franklin high school on Saturday.
Michael Hugall/ NNSL photo

“We looked around the internet for ideas,” said Barlowe. “It was a bit cliche, but we chose the Polar Express theme because we are one school.”

Following the parade community members warmed-up to hot chocolate and donuts at Sir John Franklin high school.