Coby’s Santa Claus Parade: Celebrating 50 Years!

Every community has traditions that make up part of its identity – and Coboconk is no different! This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Santa Claus Parade, an event that residents and visitors look forward to every year. We have all enjoyed waving at our favourite floats and getting a smile from Santa Claus himself. So how did this tradition begin? Jack Barkwell told us the tale.

We have Laurie and Jean Barkwell (Jack’s parents), along with the rest of the Coby Legion members to thank for our beloved tradition! Laurie was president of the Coby Legion in 1971 and Jean was the president of the Ladies Auxiliary. A new Legion building was constructed and opened in September of that year. The Legion wanted to celebrate the opening of the new building and open the celebration up to the community – not a common occurrence in those days, but Legion Branch 519’s membership was in full agreement.

Jack was home visiting with his kids, who just may have inspired Laurie and Jean to propose the idea of a Santa Claus Parade through town ending in a party for the children in the new Legion hall. The parade that year was small and consisted of a march with a band and Legion members along with Santa himself on a hay bale float. Since then, the Santa Claus Parade has become a cornerstone event for our communities.

Jack is proud of how the Santa Claus Parade has grown and says it is important for the children. “The whole parade was built around having a party for the kids at the Legion Hall…a tradition that has remained strong until this day, apart from this pandemic. Hopefully, the community can return to the Legion for the children’s party after the parade once again very soon,” says Jack.

Not only is it important for the children, but it is also important for our communities to come together. Local businesses and the Lions and Civitan Clubs have always been supportive of the parade which is much appreciated. Over the years, we have also seen support coming from newer partners such as Crayola, the United Way, and the Coboconk, Norland & Area Chamber of Commerce. A huge thank you goes out to Naylor Systems who have provided Santa’s float for close to 30 years!

Jack’s parents started the parade, along with all the Legion membership, back in 1971. Jack has been a proud member of the Legion for 45 years. He continues to volunteer his time - along with Morgan Dollack, Norma Dunnett, Peter White, Paul Reed, and Irene McCool - to help bring Santa to the parade each and every year. On December 5, 2021, not only did we celebrate 50 years of tradition, but we also celebrated community pride and partnership.

Thank you for being part of it!