Santa, politicians visit Straffordville for annual parade

Elgin-Middlesex-London MP Joe Preston, left, and his provincial counterpart Jeff Yurek waved to the crowd and threw down candy canes during the annual Straffordville Santa Claus Parade on Saturday morning, Dec. 13. The parade route had to be altered for this year’s Christmas-themed parade as the Straffordville Community Centre, usually where the parade ends and Santa greets children, is still closed to the public due to safety concerns about a sagging interior ceiling. Instead, the parade stopped at the Straffordville fire station on Third Street so children could tell Santa their gift wish lists and enjoy hot chocolate and treats.