Orillia Santa Claus Parade

Yesterday we ended our Santa Claus Parade season!  What comes as a relief to many members due to the unpredictable weather mother nature can throw at us in November, we were fortunate to have very mild temperatures.  A sprinkle of rain when we stepped off turned into a well attended and fun parade.

I would like to thank the band for toughing it out over the last few weekends.  We rely heavily on the income generated from these parades as these monies finance the next season to come. 

Old pals reunited - Randy & Lisa Egan, Glen Brownlee and Jim Wrightman.  This quartet played together for the Newmarket Pipes & Drums in the 1980s (winning Champion Supreme for Grade 2 I must add as well).

P/M Matt

Angus & Barrie Santa Claus Parades

Busy week/weekend for our band!  We stepped off on our first Santa Claus parade of the year early Saturday morning in Angus.  The weather cooperated fairly well, cold hands were the only complaints going around the circle.  Following the Angus morning parade, we stepped off at 5pm for Barrie's own Santa Claus parade.  The streets were 10 deep for the entire parade route!

Post parade, we stopped by and paid our primary corporate sponsor a visit - Donaleigh's Irish Public House.  After a pint or two, or three or four, we were warmed up and a few players put on a show for the other patrons in the pub.  Thanks to Randy, Kavan and Justin for rocking a great MSR.

P/M Matt

Click on the images below to scroll through the gallery!

Lest We Forget.

Words can't describe how moving yesterdays Remembrance Day ceremony was.  I have personally marched down Dunlop St for this ceremony 15 or so times and I have never seen a bigger turnout.  The weather was warm and sunny with barely a cloud in the sky.  Our band had a busy day following the ceremony as we had 2 other performances at both The Legion and the A.N.A.F.

With the recent unfortunate deaths of two of our soldiers on Canadian ground, our city came together and showed their respect.  I would like to thank The Grey & Simcoe Foresters for joining us on parade yesterday.

Great job band, very proud of you all.

Cheers

P/M Matt

Below is a gallery of a few pictures taken by both Ange Soule (Band Manager) and Mark Wanzel (Barrie Examiner).  Please click on the photo to move on to the next one!