KIPLING - The Kipling & District Lions Club held their first ever Parade of Lights on Dec. 11 with almost 20 entries.
Just before dusk, parade goers found their perfect spot on Kipling’s Main Street before making their way to the front of Balfour Drugs to get their complimentary hot chocolate from Tim Hortons and cookies compliments of Three Sisters Foods.
The parade brings the community together celebrating this joyous festive season.
Leading the parade was the RCMP and ambulance, with the Kipling Volunteer Fire Department bringing up the rear with three of their trucks. Vehicles were decorated with all colours of lights, blow up displays were in the box of the trucks, Santa was on a big green chair and carolers were on a decorated trailer.
All the elves from various businesses and clubs in town were busy for days prior to the event, decorating their larger than life floats.
Parade day is exciting for the youngsters waiting to see the big guy in red and getting the candy is an added bonus.
Santa’s helpers were dressed warmly, walking and handing out candy canes.
Tara Carter, having recently joined the Kipling Lions, suggested the club hold a Christmas parade so she took it upon herself to organize the event with help from other Lions members.
“This is the first time for Kipling to hold an evening Christmas parade,” explains Carter.
Some of the businesses stayed open late for shoppers the same night.
“The parade turned out great,” says Carter.
“I’m pretty proud of Kipling and all their hard work,” says Carter, who adds, “their floats turned out amazing.”
Judging was tough as there were so many interesting displays that were very well decorated.
“It was so nice to see a community come together to do this event,” says Carter.
“This is something that I hope we can continue to do,” explains Carter. “I hope it just gets bigger and better as the years go on.”
The Kipling & District Lions Club is also always open to new members.
