Santa Claus, Elsa from the Disney film Frozen, emergency services vehicles and more paraded through the streets of Springbrook to celebrate the holiday season a little early.
The Springbrook Community Association (SCA) hosted its fifth annual Christmas Parade, with at least 16 vehicles going from the Red Deer Regional Airport and through most of the Central Alberta hamlet, located just south of Red Deer.
"An event like this really highlights community and fellowship," said Tariann Bowman, SCA president.
"Especially this time of year, some people are struggling. Having an event like this that's inclusive and accessible is huge."
The Christmas Parade became a new fixture for the SCA during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The SCA has been around for 25 years. We used to do a Christmas community potluck and then COVID hit, so we had to pivot a little bit. We did a parade that year and it was such a huge hit, so we kept it going," Bowman said.
"The first year, we only had emergency vehicles and the Santa float. It's been growing every year since. This year we have our skating rink set up and a heated tent next to it. There's a barbecue, hot chocolate, fire, a choir performance and a Christmas tree light up."
While the SCA hosted the parade and celebration by the community's outdoor ice rink, the Springbrook Multiplex hosted an indoor market so residents could do some Christmas shopping within the community. This is just the second year of the Christmas market.
"The SCA does a cookie walk there and we sold out of cookies within an hour and a half at last year's market, which is amazing," said Bowman.
Bowman added that the parade wouldn't have been possible without support from sponsors and the community.
"The SCA does a few events like this all year round. We have a Family Day event, as well as events on Halloween and Christmas. We also advocate for the community. We're working towards a dog park and a net zero community hall," she said.
Springbrook wasn't the only Central Alberta community to host a Christmas celebration over the weekend, as the Town of Olds hosted its Santa Claus Parade of Lights on Saturday, Dec. 7 as well. This parade was preceded by a Christmas Kickoff celebration at Centennial Park.
