New Santa Parade leadership takes the reins
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 02/12/2023 (710 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Longtime Brandon Santa Parade organizers Carolyn Phillips and Karlheinz Sawatzky-Dyck passed the reins to new leadership on Friday.
Taking the helm of the annual parade is Gladden Smith, chair of the Westman and Area Traditional Christmas Dinner.
The transition, which took place at Sawatzky-Dyck’s residence in Brandon, ushers in a new era for the beloved festive event.
Longtime Santa Parade organizer Karlheinz Sawatzky-Dyck (left) hands over the key to the parade to Gladden Smith, chair of the Westman and Area Traditional Christmas Dinner. (Abiola Odutola/The Brandon Sun)
Sawatzky-Dyck, who co-chaired the parade for 24 years, said he won’t miss the numerous phone calls and the stress linked to organizing the parade, but acknowledged, with a touch of nostalgia, the overall enjoyment he experienced throughout the years.
On the selection process for the new leadership, Sawatzky-Dyck pointed to the eagerness and organizational prowess of the incoming team.
“They have a lot of excitement, a lot of volunteers and it doesn’t mean other volunteers can’t join them,” he said. “But they’re organized — this isn’t their first time running an event and they know what they’re doing.”
Smith expressed humility and a sense of responsibility in stepping into the new role.
“We have got some big shoes to fill,” he told the Sun. “Karlheinz has done an awesome job over the 24 years. We hope to move forward with some guidance from Karlheinz. We’ll make it happen.”
A volunteer dressed as a Christmas nutcracker poses for a photo in front of a float with a Christmas villains theme during the Brandon Santa Parade on Nov. 18. (Abiola Odutola/The Brandon Sun)
Regarding potential changes, Smith said he would take a cautious approach for the first year of his leadership, learning from Sawatzky-Dyck’s expertise. A measured introduction of modifications will ensure the parade’s essence remains intact. “But we want to keep a few surprises for attendees,” he said.
Smith said the task before him and his team is to make sure that the parade is enjoyable for the kids and adults who come out to see the event. He hopes to see a larger audience turnout at next year’s parade and beyond.
He said the Santa Parade stands as a testament to community spirit, while honouring the dedication and legacy of Phillips and Sawatzky-Dyck, whose passion has sustained this cherished tradition for decades.
This year’s parade, held Nov. 18, drew thousands of Brandon residents to the downtown parade route and featured a record number of floats.
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Happy volunteers smile for the camera during the Brandon Santa Parade on Nov. 18. (Abiola Odutola/The Brandon Sun)
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