Best Santa Claus parade floats named
Entries judged on creativity, theme, enthusiasm and effort
Robin Grant
Northern News Services
Friday, December 2, 2016
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Diversity and culture came out on top at the Yellowknife Santa Claus Parade this year.
That was the theme of the float entered by Yellowknife Association for Community Living (YKACL), which won for best not-for-profit float.
YKACL communications officer Daron Letts explained the inspiration behind his organization's float.
"Every week, these clients collect bags and bags and bags of aluminum cans, office paper, newspaper and many other recyclables from business owners and government offices that are prominent in the community and they help community as they gain income and pride and prove their employability," he said.
This year, 259 of those aluminum cans as well as other recyclable material transformed into a Christmas tree in an effort to educate the public about the association's business services program.
According to the City of Yellowknife, 23 floats were entered into the parade, all designed to the theme of Christmas Around the World.
Aside from YKACL's honour, Northern Eavestroughing and Pelley's Pellets won in the commercial category and the Yellowknife Education District No. 1 won in the school category.
Each float was judged for creativity, use of lights and decorations, theme, enthusiasm and effort.
However, the three judges' specific comments and ranking were not made available to the public.
The Yellowknife Education District No. 1 float was adorned with wrapping paper and colourful homemade decorations created by Sir John Franklin School librarian Janice Daly.
Daly said she often helps with decorating for the graduating class and had some leftover ornaments she and students converted into a Christmas theme.
"Students from Sir John Franklin and William McDonald Middle School covered the whole float in wrapping paper and then we started nailing and stapling the decorations all over the float," she said.
More than 75 students and staff from Yellowknife Education District No. 1 participated in the parade.
Neither Northern Eavestroughing or Pelley's Pellets were available to comment by press time.
