THUNDER BAY -- It never ceases to amaze organizer Greg Stevenson at the popularity of the annual Parade of Lights.
Once again, in 2016, it was huge hit.
More than 80 participants trimmed their vehicles in bright lights, inflatable Santas and the laughter of children and wove their way through the city on Saturday, to the delight of thousands who lined Thunder Bay streets to catch a glimpse of the festive scene.
“The community response is overwhelming,” Stephenson said.
“Not only the people who are putting floats in, because it’s a lot of work, a lot of time and a lot of money. But you can see when you drive out all the people who are lined up on the route. You couldn’t ask for a better night.”
Twelve-year-old Travis Brink loved seeing the holiday spirit come to life.
“There are a lot of lights and everything,” said Travis, who got an up-close and personal look at the parade route this year.
“I get to go in the back of (our) trailer.”
His older brother Hunter may be a teenager, but isn’t too old to enjoy a parade.
“I like to look at all the big trucks, especially when they’re running cold doing burn outs,” he said.
Chris Aegard, of Excalibur Motor Sports, said the parade is a chance to give back to the community.
Along the parade route volunteers were out collecting money to give to four charities, Autism Ontario Thunder Bay, the George Jeffrey Children’s Centre, Special Olympics Ontario and the Therapeutic Riding Association.
Aegard said he’s amazed at what he saw upon arriving Saturday night at Manitoulin Transport, Ground Zero for the parade.
“I’m just shocked by the ingenuity and the creativity of the people in Thunder Bay. It’s just awesome to see.”
Stevenson said the drivers outdo themselves each and every year and that’s why so many people come out to watch and make donations.
“The only reason we do it is to raise money. We’re hoping we’re going to exceed our goal this year, which is $25,000,” Stevenson said.
