In spite of Santa Claus not being able to visit Kamsack with a few of his reindeer, as has been the custom for the annual Santa Claus parade, the event was “very positive.”
The number of entries in the parade on November 24 was up, said Kev Sumner, Kamsack’s recreation director. The weather was fantastic and the crowds at the rink greeting Santa were superb.
Hundreds of people crowded into the lower hall of Broda Sportsplex where a Kamsack Comprehensive Institute band played several tunes, the Kamsack Community Choir sang carols while waiting for Santa’s arrival; high school students applied glitter tattoos on people, and hot chocolate and cookies, courtesy of the Town of Kamsack, were served.
“It was good to see all the people at the rink,” Sumner said, adding that he has never seen so many people in that room.
There was lots to do, and after everyone had a chance to meet Santa, a hockey game was played, he said. During the evening Lloyd Smith was providing horse-drawn wagon rides around the community.
“I just wish we were able to have the reindeer.”
In the past years, former Kamsack resident Gerald Ignatiuk of Preeceville and Wes Wirtz of Wadena, who had operated the South Tundra Reindeer farm near Wadena, had helped Sumner with Santa’s reindeer. Disease affecting the reindeer at the farm has prevented the animals from attending this year.
A couple of the main street stores stayed open later than normal for the Moonlight Madness portion of the evening, he said, adding that he received help organizing the event from the Town’s public works staff.
