SantaFest in Vaughan features 'mind-blowing' surprises
Parade takes place Sunday, Nov. 27 along Major Mackenie Drive, starting at 2 p.m.

Yorkregion.com
Nov. 18, 2016
By Adam Martin-Robbins

When Santa’s sleigh slides into the city Sunday (Nov. 27) he will be bringing along some “mind-blowing surprises,” organizers say.

And joining jolly old St. Nick will be the most floats Vaughan’s parade has featured since its inception 17 years ago.

“We are very proud to announce this is our largest ever SantaFest Parade in its history with over 94 participating floats,” Elvira Caria, MC at the Nov. 16 media launch, announced.

This year's parade will once again be celebrating the city's diverse cultural make-up, with the International Way section featuring floats from a host of communities including African, Filipino, Hindu, Italian, Korean, Latino, Pakistani, Portuguese, Russian, and Tamil, among others.

“(Human Endeavour) have actually invited Syrian Refugees who have come here in the year 2016...and they are going to be on our floats and they are going to feel the love that exists in the city of Vaughan and in Canada,” Caria said. “We cannot wait to welcome them and we cannot wait to show them that you’re free to celebrate anything you want in this country.”

Also returning is the pre-parade Block Party, starting at 1 p.m. at the northwest corner of Melville Avenue and Major Mackenzie Drive.

It features live entertainment by Arcadia Academy of Music plus the Home Depot Kids Workshop, holiday ornament painting courtesy of Colour Me Mine - Vaughan and Top Notch Stars showcasing their youth basketball teams and offering opportunities for kids to shoot hoops.

“We decided we’re going to focus a little bit on the three Fs and it goes a little bit like this: fun, fresh and a little flashy,” Caria said. “This year, the block party is going to get a lot louder so if you live around Major Mackenzie and Melville, we’re apologizing in advance.”

The parade, which runs along Major Makenzie Drive between Hwy. 400 and city hall, starts at 2 p.m. - and you won’t want to miss it, Caria said.

“Believe me when I tell you there are surprises within the parade this year that are just going to blow your mind.”

For more information, visit the SantaFest website.