Trenton 2020 Santa Claus Parade cancelled, but Santa will still visit virtually

Trenton, Ont (Nov 28, 2010) – The 10th annual Festival of Lights held after the Santa Claus Parade. Photo by Clover Raftis

By Trey Boivin

BELLEVILLE – Quinte West’s Chamber of Commerce decided Monday to cancel the Trenton Santa Claus Parade due to COVID-19, but replace the parade with a virtual event.

This is the first time that Santa won’t lead the yearly Trenton parade since it started in 1953. However, he will be going onto Facebook Live through the City of Quinte West’s Facebook page to deliver a message to the children at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 29.

Initially, the chamber proposed a reverse parade, a parade where the attendees drive through in their cars. The Hastings Prince Edward Public Health Unit turned down the proposal.

But the health unit reversed its decision afterward. However, the Quinte West chamber decided to move forward with the Santa Claus live stream.

“We always have such fantastic support from our local businesses through sponsorships and float entries and none of us wanted to disappoint the thousands of children that enjoy the parade every year,” says manager of the Quinte West Chamber of Commerce Suzanne Andrews.

Letters for Santa can be dropped at Santa mailboxes outside of the main Canada Post office on Front Street in Trenton and Canada Post offices in Rexall and Shoppers Drug Mart. The Kinsmen Toy Drive is collecting brand new toys only that can be dropped off at Fire Station 1 on 49 Dixon Dr., Trenton. Food donations can be made at the Trenton Care & Share Food Bank on 30 Pelham St., Trenton.