The smallest parade in all of Ontario is just over two weeks away.

“A small community is a vital community,” said Lynnis Royea, who also poses as Mrs. Claus while aboard a homemade float with Santa (also known as her husband Ernie Sainsbury) in Hekkla’s annual Santa Claus Parade.

The hamlet of Hekkla, with a population of about 50 people, provides the perfect setting for the parade, which takes a mere five minutes from start to finish. Most people who attend position themselves at the old schoolhouse so that once the parade is over they can gather in the historic building for hotdogs, coffee and hot chocolate.

“We try to go as slow as we can,” Royea laughed.

This year, the tradition continues. On Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2 p.m., the little village will come alive as residents and volunteers parade down Hekkla’s main road (which, by the way, is dirt) happily waving from floats and handing out candy to the little ones in attendance.

Generally only three floats are featured in the parade, and the Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary float is always a favourite. A Township of Muskoka Lakes fire truck leads the way, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus are always the last to be seen. Last year, the two waved from their float decorated to the nines with hanging clothes and a washing machine.

“The idea to have the parade came from Frank Titus,” said Royea, adding that he wanted to “get things happening” in the community. “The parade was one way we could do that. It can be a little difficult to get local Hekklers interested because everyone does their own thing and goes their own way. But we are definitely interested in having more people take part in the parade.”

Royea is hoping that people in surrounding communities will join in on the parade fun this year to make it bigger and better than ever. In the past, township mayor Susan Pryke has always made an appearance; however, she will not be attending this year as she will be out of the country. Rosseau Lake College has been asked to put in a float as well as a few businesses in the Rosseau/Hekkla area.

“We’re trying to develop a sense of community where if there’s a need you just jump in and help a neighbour without being asked,” said Royea. “This kind of parade allows people to connect, and that is one thing that is missing in our busy world. We just don’t have time to connect with people anymore. The main idea behind the parade is to have some fun and connect with each other.”

Another tradition that Hekkla will be continuing this year will be a Christmas Eve service held in the hamlet’s century-old church. With no heat or hydro, those who attend gather around kerosene lamps for a potluck dinner and then spend some of the evening singing Christmas carols and conversing.

“It’s really lovely,” said Royea. “Last year, we had just finished singing Silent Night and we were all drawing in our breath when snow came off the top of the roof in a rumble. We viewed it as a sign of approval. It’s very low key, non-denominational. Something everyone can enjoy. Everything nowadays has to be big and flashy. But to make things big and flashy you have to put in so much time and money, so you don’t connect. Having small things, like the parade and service, makes those connections incredibly special.”

The Hekkla Santa Claus Parade will begin at 2 p.m. on Dec. 7. Those who are interested in having a float in the parade can e-mail Royea at loghollo@vianet.ca.