Help Santa Toy Parade: Thousands cheer in the holidays at annual parade in downtown Ottawa [Video]

The streets were filled with holiday spirit on Saturday for the 55th annual Help Santa Toy Parade in downtown Ottawa. The tradition helps to put presents under the tree for those less fortunate.

“It’s beautiful. There are thousands of people here. We got our 57 floats lined up. Everyone’s excited and everything’s coming together,” said Cameron Taylor of the Ottawa Professional Firefighters Association and chair of the Help Santa Toy Parade.

The parade is a tradition that many hold dear.

“We come here every year, for the family,” said Samantha Borgon, who lives in Ottawa. “My favourite part is seeing everyone all happy and joyful and everyone being all excited for everything to come for Christmas.”

Thousands lined the street to take in the parade, which started at 11 a.m. at Elgin Street and Laurier Avenue before travelling west to Bank Street and then south to Lansdowne.

The festivities are a chance for families to spend quality time together.

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