Almost 60,000 spectators had their Christmas wishes granted as they were treated to a fantastic array of floats, marching bands, dancing groups, cheerleaders and zany characters at the 2004 Downtown Christmas Parade. Under clear blue skies, the Parade made its way from the former Memorial Stadium through historic Downtown St. John’s with Santa’s hearty “Ho Ho Ho” delighting the thousands of children who came to see him.

Employees of Newfoundland Power, a corporate sponsor of the event, were out in full force gathering food for Santa’s annual food drive. Over 17,000 pounds of food was collected in aid of the Community Food Sharing Association as well more than $4000.00 in loonies and twoonies. Securicor, a Downtown Company, made a $500.00 donation to the Community Food Sharing Association and also helped collect coins along the Parade route.

The winners of various categories for the 2004 Downtown Parade were:

Best Float Over 20 Feet:
1 St. John’s First Assembly Kid Connection
2 Academy Canada / Easter Seals
3 CBC

Best Float Under 20 Feet :
1. Nerds on Site
2. Federation of Agriculture
3. Waste Management Services

Best Performing Groups
1. Barbara Ashley School of Dance
2. Judy Knee Dance Studio
3. Connie Parsons School of Dance

Best Marching Band
1. 2355 CLB Royal Canadian Army Cadet Band
2. 2415 Gonzaga Royal Army Cadet Corps
3. 514 Kinsmen Air Cadet Squadron

Best Cheerleading Group
1. Bishop’s College
2. Prince of Wales Collegiate
3. O’ Donel High

There will be no time to rest as Santa will be busy answering a sleigh full of letters collected by his special elves from Canada Post.

The Downtown Development Commission would like to thank Newfoundland Power, McDonald’s, The Express, NTV, OZ FM, The Newfoundland Herald, as well as the hundreds of Parade participants, volunteers and community agencies who made the event such a success.

For more information

Please contact
Gaylynne Lambert
Marketing and Special Events Coordinator
Downtown Development Commission
726-8244
gaylynne@downtownstjohns.com