Enchanting more than 20,000 of Sudbury’s kids-of-all-ages, the floats that entered the annual Sudbury Santa Claus Parade were recognized for their hard work on Dec. 10
Enchanting more than 20,000 of Sudbury kids-of-all-ages this year, the 70 floats and participants that entered the 65th annual Sudbury Santa Claus Parade were recognized for their hard work on Dec. 10, with awards presentations from the parade committee.
The Awards Evening began with sounds of the season from musician Chuck Labelle, said a release from the Downtown Sudbury BIA. Labelle was also the ‘Musical Grand Marshall’ leading the parade.
Awards were then presented under several categories, including for non-float entries, like the Greater Sudbury Animal Shelter, who won first place in the category, followed by second place CPS Columbia Per Sudbury and Nickel City Roller Derby in third.
For floats under the non-profit category, it was École secondaire catholique Champlain coming in first place. In second place, the Nigerian Community Association of Greater Sudbury and in third, the N’Swakamok Indigenous Friendship Centre.
The Children’s Choice award went to Docs Hobby/Bike Shop.
Corporate float award winners are as follows:
Floats: Corporate Small (1-50 employees)
First – Melisa Valenzi – owner of 3 Latino Businesses
Second – Dance Evolution
Third – Docs Hobby/Bike Shop
Floats: Corporate Medium (51-200 employees)
First – Leuschen Transportation
Second – REIC Rentals
Third – Legend Boats
Floats: Corporate Large (200+ employees)
First – City of Greater Sudbury – Citywide Department
Second – Environmental E360 Solutions Ltd.
Third – Epiroc Canada
Also awarded was Outstanding Community Partners, given to Cooper Equipment Rentals and to Bob’s Service Centre, Outstanding Media Partner, awarded to Hot 93.5
Hall of Fame awards were given to longtime parade volunteer, Helene Chartrand, who also received a special declaration and recognition from the City for her more than 40 years of dedication.
Also entered into the Hall of Fame is Maureen Luoma, who retired in 2020 from her role as executive director of the Downtown Sudbury Business Improvement Association (BIA), after 43 years with the organization.
And if you were one of the 20,000 rosy-cheeked and cheery children who lined the streets for this year’s parade, mark your calendar for next year’s parade, Saturday, November 21, 2026.