The 2021 Theme is
"A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS"

It's unfortunate that the 35th annual Optimist Santa Claus parade will not happen in downtown St. Thomas this year as we had all hoped. Our executive and parade planning committee made this tough decision weeks ago based on several factors related to ongoing health and safety guidelines, outlook limitation, and timeline-related constraints.
However, with the collaboration of the offices of Karen Vecchio, MP and Jeff Yurek, MPP, we are happy to report that Santa Claus is still coming to St Thomas! We know how much it means to community members to celebrate the season together and decided to build on last year’s safe and successful model in order to guarantee a chance for Santa to visit. On December 3rd, 4th and 5th we will once again be hosting an evening stationary parade in Pinafore Park. Please stay tuned to http://www.optimistsantaclausparade.ca/ for details and to register a float if you’re interested.
We want to remind the community that it takes many volunteers, businesses and service clubs to accept the invitation to develop any event at this scale. If it weren’t for these dedicated groups, we may not have been able to offer this alternative. Thanks to all who are working hard to make this a magical weekend and we look forward to seeing you soon!

Visiting the Parade?
Click for more Information

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Looking to Register your parade entry?
Click for more Information

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A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS STATIONARY SANTA CLAUS PARADECountdown

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Here's what happened in 2021
Photo's of the 2021 MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Reverse Santa Claus Parade
December 3rd, 4th and 5th, 2021
(35th Annual Optimist Santa Claus Parade)

Thanks to our 2021 Sponsors

Office of Karen Vecchio MP

Office of Jeff Yurek MPP

Joe Preston - St Thomas Mayor

Optimist Club of St Thomas

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The winners of the 2021 MAGICAL CHRISTMAS Reverse Santa Claus Parade:
Best Commercial - Firehouse Subs
Best Overall - Arthur Voaden High School
Best High School - Central Elgin Collegiate Institute
Most Unusual - Dairy Farmers of Elgin County, Elgin Federation of Agriculture, Delta Power and Huron Tractor
Best Children's - Dance Essence
Most Photogenic - Seasons St Thomas
Best Theme - Romantic Designs

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Photos of the EML Reverse Santa Claus Parade - 34th Annual Optimist Santa Claus Parade December 4th, 5th and 6th, 2020

The winners of the 2020 EML Reverse Santa Claus Parade:
Best Commercial - Entegrus
Best Overall - Heritage Youth 10 Pin Bowling
Best High School - Arthur Voaden High School
Most Unusual - Canada Health Grants
Best Children's - St Thomas and District Chamber of Commerce
Most Photogenic - St Thomas Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Best Theme - Dean-o Towing
Best Elementary - Springfield Public School

The winners of the 2019 Optimist Santa Claus Parade are:
Best Commercial - Formet Industries
Best Overall - Presstran Industries
Best High School - Arthur Voaden High School
Most Unusual - Li'l Miss Metal
Best Children's - Heritage Youth 10 Pin Bowling
Most Photogenic - St John Ambulance
Best Theme - Dark Matter
Best Elementary - Lockes Public School

The winners of the 2018 Optimist Santa Claus Parade are:
Best Commercial - Formet Industries
Best Overall - Presstran Industries
Best High School - Arthur Voaden High School
Most Unusual - Langs Contracting
Best Children's - Heritage Youth 10 Pin Bowling
Most Photogenic - Nurse Next Door
Best Theme - St Thomas Kinsmen
Best Elementary - Monsignor Morrison Catholic School

The winners of the 2017 Optimist Santa Claus Parade are:
Best Commercial - Presstran Industries
Best Overall - Formet Industries
Best High School - Central Elgin Collegiate Institute
Most Unusual - Dark Matter Toys and Collectibles
Best Children's under 18 - St Thomas Panther's
Most Photogenic - Bakker Concrete
Best Theme - Jay Okkerse Contracting
Best Elementary - Lockes Public School

The winners of the 2016 Optimist Santa Claus Parade are:
Best Commercial - Presstran Industries
Best Overall - Formet Industries
Best High School - Central Elgin Collegiate Institute
Most Unusual - Dark Matter Toys and Collectibles
Best Children's under 18 - Step Above Dance and Music Studios
Most Photogenic - Coad Heating, Air & My Fireplace
Best Theme - Salvation Army - sponsored by the St Thomas Downtown Development Board
Best Elementary - Lockes Public School