Editor: It was a dark and stormy night, Sunday past.
Well, it was at least a chilly four degrees, with copious amounts of rain at 6:30 p.m.
A smattering up people with children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, and the affable family dog slowly amassed in front of Alex Hope school in Walnut Grove.
Fueled by a rumour courtesy of the Langley Times, all patiently waited, shaking with cold, bags of food for the food bank at the ready.
What could be happening? Cars drove past with scowling faces, questioning what these mad folks were doing.
Were we ne’er do wells?
For upon that night, all expected jolly Saint Nick to make an appearance. His guides were to be firefighters from fire halls Nos. 8 and 2.
Aldor Acres parade trailers carried the families of those firefighters, all the while singing Christmas carols. All volunteering their time.
At last, from around a corner, came the first fire truck, all shiny with lights and sirens.
Happy smiling firefighters walked the route. A second fire truck rounded the corner — and there he was, high atop the truck.
It could only be Santa. He waved, he laughed, he talked to the kids. Adults remembered Christmas past, children were given candy canes from Santa’s helpers.
They collected for the food bank, they got up close with families and the joy in their faces of children and firefighters was indeed something to behold.
Slowly, the parade moved along to bring cheer to others in the community. It was time to go home for hot chocolate and hot baths.
So at the end of the parade I say to the Township of Langley Fire Department, the firefighters, and Aldor Acres, thank you for bringing some good cheer, captivating children’s wonder, and doing a good thing in the community.
I wish them a Merry Christmas and thanks for their efforts.
Please come back next year.
Rob Jones-Cook
Langley