Toronto’s looking a lot like Christmas

TORONTO - It was all things Christmas for those lined up on the city's Fourth Street Saturday evening for the annual Great Expectations Christmas Parade.

From dance troupes busting moves to participating local emergency providers, there was enough energy on the street to thrill children and adults alike. The parade, sponsored by the Focus in Toronto organization and the city chamber, drew packed crowds lining the sidewalks wearing gloves, hats and scarves eager to see the sights, while children hoped to catch a glimpse of jolly Old St. Nick himself.

Gathering the extended family to watch the parade was an annual event, according to Toronto resident Rod Henry.

Ive got a couple of family members in the parade my wife Darcy and my four-year-old daughter Emma, said Henry, adding the two would be participating in the Gem City Dance float. I come to the parade every year because its everyone in the city getting together. Its nice to see everyone come out and get into the festive spirit.

The Toronto Police Department led the parade, along with Jefferson County Sheriff Fred Abdalla. Those were followed by parade grand marshal Mike Biasi and the Toronto Titans organization, whose junior varsity football team recently won the Steel Valley football league championship.

Little Miss Lion Shawna Burkey and the 2009 Toronto High School homecoming court also made an appearance, while the Herald-Star, WTOV-9s Snowbird and WTRFs calliope also gave the local media a chance to show the Christmas spirit.

Toronto Apothecarys float featured a theme based on the holiday favorite Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer, complete with bandaged grandma. Aspiring martial artists from Powers Martial Arts demonstrated some tricky maneuvers in the street to the delight of parade-watchers.

Local emergency providers included the TEMS Joint Ambulance District, the Toronto Fire Department and Stratton, Empire, Pottery Addition and Knoxville volunteer fire departments, with personnel from all throwing mountains of candy to ecstatic children.

An excited Alex Rawson, 8, son of Tina and Tim Rawson of Toronto, said there was no way he was going to miss this years parade, even if it meant dragging his parents out to spend an hour in the chilly weather.

Im here for candy, and lots of it, Rawson said. Im also wanting to see Santa and get my picture taken with him.

Rawson got his wish as the car with Toronto Mayor John Geddis threw candy as it passed by, while Jefferson County Commissioner Tom Graham was styling in a convertible. Marching bands included the Edison High School and Toronto High School bands playing medleys of holiday favorites, while Santa waved to the crowds and proceeded to the gazebo commons for photos and to hear Christmas wishes from children.

(Miller can be contacted at mmiller@heraldstaronline.com.)