To say the Steveston Santa Parade is steeped in tradition would be understated to say the least.
Not only has the parade been running through the streets and avenues of the village since 1973, save for 2013 when it was cancelled due to a lack of volunteers, there are people organizing it now that were involved in the very first event.
And there will now be generations of the same family helping to bring Christmas Eve joy to the people of Steveston this Thursday, Dec. 24.
“I have a strong sense of community and my grandfather was in the Steveston Community Society way back, and my mom was, as well,” said Jack Beetstra, who still serves as the parade chair, even though he moved to New Westminster in 1990.
“I don’t live here now, but I still want to give back to the Steveston community (his mom was a Gilmore).
“Kelvin Higo and John Fedoruk started the even back in ’73 and Kelvin is still on the parade committee, along with Bob Fedoruk, son of John, who’s since passed away.
“And many members of their family members are also involved in the parade.”
The event was originally run by the Steveston Community Society on Christmas Eve and then by the Steveston Lions Club, before the Rotary Club took over and changed it to the 23rd, as it was deemed easier to get volunteers.
However, it was cancelled in 2013, due to the dearth of aforementioned volunteers, until Beetstra, with the help of the Richmond Firefighters Charitable Society, brought the parade back to life last year.
“I didn’t want to see the event die away, as I had been involved in it from the very beginning, even as a 12 or 13-year-old wearing a costume in the parade,” added Beetstra.
“Around 40 volunteers in costume, including children and adults, four drivers and firefighters will be on the parade with Santa, making collections for the Richmond Food Bank.”
Beetstra said the event was changed back to Christmas Eve as it’s a “magical night” with no suggestion of being organized for commercial reasons, as is done with so many November Christmas lights switch-ons and parades.
“It’s done for no reason other than for the community,” said Beetstra.
“It’s a special family time, full of Christmas spirit.”
This year’s parade will have a slightly different route this year to take in more streets.
It starts at 6 p.m. on Regent Street and Sixth Avenue and could take about two hours or so to get to Garry Point.
Got community spirit?
If you organize neighbourly get togethers or events, no matter how small, let the Richmond News know about it by emailing [email protected] with the subject “Community Spirit.” Or call 604-249-3342. Who knows, your good example may spread to other communities and neighbourhoods across the city.
