Toronto Santa Claus Parade volunteer recalls nearly 50 years walking in the annual spectacle

Toronto Star · Beatriz Baleeiro · 2026-11-05 22:45 UTC

Preparations are underway for 122nd edition of the parade on Nov. 22.

Surrounded by racks of animal costumes, outfits in shimmering finishes and hundreds of hats, Craig McRae remembers his first time volunteering at the Original Santa Claus Parade at age 11.

Now in his 50s, McRae carries on the tradition started by his father, George, as a band co-ordinator as he prepares for the 122nd edition, scheduled for Nov. 22.

McRae recalled walking the parade as a child. If a drummer dropped a drumstick or lost their sheet music, he had a bag of supplies ready to go.

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