ANTIGONISH, N.S. - Antigonish celebrated the start of the Christmas season Nov. 24 with its annual Santa Claus parade through the downtown and tree lighting ceremony at Columbus Field which included, for the second year in a row, a fireworks display to cap off the festivities and fun-filled evening.
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SLIDESHOW: Antigonish Santa Claus parade and tree lighting ceremony 2018

North Shore Volunteer Fire Department members come together for a photo prior to running the firework show which culminated the start-up of the Christmas season celebration in Antigonish which featured the annual Santa Claus parade and tree lighting ceremony at Columbus Field.

Members of the Town of Antigonish council, including councillor Mary Farrell (left), Mayor Laurie Boucher, and councillors Andrew Murray and Diane Roberts, were joined by their Municipality of the County of Antigonish counterparts, including councillors Donnie MacDonald and Vaughn Chisholm, as well as emcee Len ‘PD’ MacDonald, in wishing all those in attendance a Merry Christmas through song, during the annual parade and tree lighting celebration, Nov. 24, in Antigonish.

Folks enjoy the fireworks display that immediately followed the tree lighting ceremony at Columbus Field, as the Town of Antigonish officially kicked off the Christmas season with an evening of fun for the whole family, titled A Down Home Christmas, Nov. 24.

Ella Cartwright displays her prowess with a hula hoop as she enjoyed one of the fun activities which took place on the tennis court at Columbus Field, as part of the Christmas parade and tree lighting celebration, Nov. 24, in Antigonish. Richard MacKenzie

Jordyn Asselstine taking part in a ladder jumping activity which was part of the fun at Columbus Field just prior to the tree lighting and fireworks display, as Antigonish kicked off the Christmas season.

Macie Hicks taking part in a hopping activity which was part of the fun at Columbus Field just prior to the tree lighting and fireworks display, as Antigonish kicked off the Christmas season.

Santa and Ms. Claus make their grand appearance in the Antigonish Santa Claus parade, Nov. 24. The evening of celebration also included the tree lighting ceremony and fireworks display at Columbus Field.

The Lionel’s Fancy float from Jimtown won the best major non-commercial entry in the Antigonish Santa Claus parade, held Saturday (Nov. 24) evening.

Laylah Mattie (left) and Tessa Fitzmorris ready for the Santa Claus parade to reach Main Street in Antigonish Saturday (Nov. 24) evening.

Boston Pizza mascot Lionel waves to the crowd from atop the popular restaurant’s float in the Antigonish Santa Claus parade, Nov. 24.

Members of the Antigonish Farmers’ Mutual Junior Bulldogs participating in the Antigonish Santa Claus parade, Nov. 24.

Coady International Institute participants danced through the streets while waving flags from their home countries and signs, during the Antigonish Santa Claus parade, Nov. 24.

Appropriately, members of the Antigonish Creative Dance Association displayed some of their moves, while participating in the Antigonish Santa Claus parade, Nov. 24.

Members of the national champion St. F.X. X-Women rugby team participated in the Antigonish Santa Claus parade, Nov. 24.

Members of both the Town of Antigonish and Municipality of the County of Antigonish councils took part in the Santa Claus parade Saturday (Nov. 24) evening, including councillors Andrew Murray and Jack MacPherson from the town’s council.

The Knights of Columbus float was a smartly designed Nativity scene.

Miniature horses, with festive attire, taking part in the Antigonish Santa Claus parade, held Saturday (Nov. 24) evening.

The Antigonish Highland Dancing Association was well represented in the Antigonish Santa Claus parade, held Saturday (Nov. 24) evening.

Antigonish County 4-H has another impressive float, occupied by many members, for the Antigonish Santa Claus parade, Nov. 24.

A few members of the Port Hawkesbury Antigonish Swimming Team (PHAST) brought more attention to their float due to their swimming pool attire for a November evening – outdoors. Fortunately for the swimmers, the evening of the parade, Nov. 24, wasn’t quite as cold as just a couple of days earlier in the region.

A giant shopping cart and Christmas tree of chocolate chip cookies helped the Atlantic Superstore to a best major commercial float recognition during the Antigonish Santa Claus parade, Nov. 24.

The Girl Guides cleverly dressed as presents while participating in the Antigonish Santa Claus parade, Nov. 24.

Canadian Association for Community Living (CACL) workers and supports wave from their Smokey & Friends magic Christmas float during the Antigonish Santa Claus parade, Nov. 24.

The Love Me Fish & Lobster Inc. Catch of the Day float was eye-catching with its many lit-up items, for the Antigonish Santa Claus parade, held Saturday (Nov. 24) evening.
