Blackville Mayor Chris Hennessy has issued a statement regarding this evening’s Santa Claus Parade of Lights. The parade was delayed about 90 minutes to allow an Emergency Vehicle team to pass through the parade route.

I would like to personally thank everyone for attending this years Parade, preparing floats, volunteering at this mornings breakfast, and showing interest in your Community. Not to mention getting into the Holiday Spirit.

A deepest Thank You to all the Volunteer Firefighters who make this parade happen each and every year, somewhere close to the past 50 years.

Hours upon hours of Volunteer based time is spent readying Santa’s Sleigh, Harnessing the Reindeer, Packing Treats for all the good little boys and girls, cleaning the Fire Hall, shining trucks, and providing a BBQ and Hot Chocolate for everyone at the Fire Hall afterwards.

Then as Santa leaves for the North Pole, and everyone else returns home for the evening, the Hall needs to be put back into use as a Fire Hall, Emergency Muster point etc. More Volunteer time on a Saturday night.

Tonight’s Delays were something out of everyone’s control. Information was provided as it was received. As we all know emergencies can happen at any time, and this year something so happened during our planned Parade.

A Parade route is planned with RCMP Approval. Start times are also coordinated with the RCMP. Not just something as simple as pulling a vehicle across the road and informing upset motorists that they cannot pass for a few minutes.

So be sure to thank your local Firefighters next time you are out and about, or maybe take a moment and put yourself in their shoes and reflect on the time and effort they put back into the community.

Thank You

Chris Hennessy