Santa Claus Comes to Town - II

Though in later years the parades would have definite themes in 1952 the parade had a broader scope. The floats went beyond the traditional fairy tale characters with some fanciful and unusual floats that still reflected the world of children.



Eaton's had published the story of Punkinhead, the sad little ginger-haired bear who wanted to be in the Santa Claus Parade in 1948. By 1950 he had been established as a favourite appearing not only in the Parade but in Toyland as merchandise: stuffed animals, watches, records and story books. He was still a feature as late as 1986 in their Christmas marketing. I only wish I still had my Punkinhead stuffed bear - apparently it would be worth a small fortune today.


Is it just me or does this look like propaganda for the Toronto Board of Education?? Though the colouring book only showed two froggies walking beside the float there would have been 20 or more - all of them Eaton's employees, their family members or students from local schools - all volunteers.



Costumes for the parade were made to standard sizes and marchers were fit to the costumes with minor adjustments being made. Most of the costumes were a size too big so warm clothing could be worn underneath. Even a court lady can get cold when the wind is blowing down Bay Street.

08 decembre - L'Immacolata Concezione