Xstrata wins gold for best parade float

Xstrata Nickel's float called Winter Xstrata-ganza won first place in the Sudbury Santa Claus Parade corporate category.

College Notre Dame won first place in the non-profit category.

The parade judges picked the Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps (Royal Sovereign) as the best band and the Canadian Showcase Dancers as the best marching group.

The best vehicle prize went to Greyhound Canada Transportation.

Organizers of this year's parade, which was held Nov. 17, are pleased with the overwhelming support that continues to be received for the evening parade, said Bob Fennell, parade committee chair. "The community showed their support to an evening parade, making this the largest parade ever with more than 70 entries and some 35,000 spectators.  There is no doubt this event is definitely the 'kick-off' to the Christmas season in our community."