The annual Aldergrove Christmas parade was a 鈥渉uge success,鈥� drawing more than 5,000 members of the local and surrounding communities for a festive celebration.

Organizer Alyssa Nielsen said people from Surrey, White Rock, Burnaby, and as far as Port Alberni came out for the evening.

Everything was free at the party and parade. More than 600 free hotdogs were served to party-goers, all donated by the Aldergrove Rotary Club, Otter Co-op, and Bonetti Meats.

Free hot chocolate was also provided by the Aldergrove Elks.

Santa was also available for photos in his selfie-tent.

鈥淭he biggest highlight for me was the joy and sometimes surprise on the faces of the families as they were provided a completely free community Christmas party event that allowed parents to say 鈥榶es鈥� to [anything],鈥� she shared.

The parade, which started at 6 p.m., had almost 60 floats decorated in Christmas lights, colours, and featured some classic characters like Frosty the Snowman.

Donations for the Aldergrove Food Bank were collected at the FreshCo tent from visitors, and a cheque donation of $2,000 was presented from G&F Financial. An earlier event by the BC Sheriff鈥檚 Office raised $500 for the food bank as well.

鈥淲e were moved by the incredible support and generosity of the organizations and businesses in Aldergrove 鈥� it was absolutely inspiring,鈥� Nielsen said.

The parade will make a full return next year, and Nielsen hopes it will be even more magical.

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