Santa listens to Christmas wishes in Iqaluit

A 32-kilometre a hour wind Saturday morning pushed the City of Iqaluit to delay its Christmas Parade to this weekend due to inclement weather.

Environment Canada recorded a temperature of -20 C, with a -33 C windchill in the hours leading up to what was supposed to be Saturday’s parade time.

“Thank you for your understanding,” city spokesperson Geoffrey Byrne said in an announcement issued Saturday before 10 a.m., just two hours before the parade’s scheduled start.

The parade might have been pushed, but Santa Claus and his elf-entourage kept their meet-and-greet appointment with children at the Elders Qammaq in the afternoon.

“Merry Christmas everybody,” Santa Claus called out to children awaiting a visit with him beside a Christmas tree.

Children in line were greeted by the city’s elves, who offered red and green Christmas cookies and maintained big, friendly smiles.

City recreation co-ordinator Naja Pearce, recreation director Breton McNeil, and special events co-ordinator Matilda Pinksen, dressed in red and green, interacted with the children, ensuring the lineup was never boring.

“The free treats, and Santa and the photo were all a lot of fun,” said parent Ashley McCarthy. 

Photographer Natalie Maerzluft took an average of two photos per minute in the first hour.

Children sat on a big brown couch and took time to chat with Santa about their Christmas wishes. They left with a photo, a candy cane, and the memory.

“It’s very rewarding,” McNeil said, wearing his green and yellow elf hat. “It’s a lot of fun for us to be able to provide a fun holiday event.”

The Christmas parade is now scheduled begin Dec. 20 at noon, at the arena.