At a time when the world is desperate for a glimmer of joy, a longtime harness racing participant will be the source of just that for a number of Nova Scotians this weekend.
For decades, Standardbred owner and trainer Eddie Brookman has brought the spirit of Christmas to the Whitney Pier and Ashby neighbourhoods of greater Sydney, N.S. And with the coronavirus pandemic forcing holiday parades and festivals to be sidelined for 2020, Brookman felt it more important than ever to take to the streets — as Santa Claus — with one of his Standardbreds.
“The only reason I’m going early this year is because of COVID-19,” Brookman told the Cape Breton Post. Typically, Brookman makes his rounds in mid-December, but a rise in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks has prompted him to push his trek ahead to Saturday morning (Dec. 5).
“With no Santa Claus parades this year, it was more important than ever I go out.”
After seeing Santa Claus on the back of a fire truck in a parade during his youth, Brookman felt that it would be more fitting for Santa to appear with a horse and sulky, so for the last 38 years, he has done just that. The horse to accompany Brookman this year is likely a game-time decision, as King Is Crowned – who won 28 races in the 1990s and was owned by friend Paul Whelan — passed last year and another horse who was planned for the journey is not available. Thus, Brookman, who has a dozen wins to his name as a trainer, may have to handle this year's trek on foot if push comes to shove.
“I know doing this is going to cheer a lot of people up, even though we have COVID-19,” he said.
And, of course, Brookman will take every precaution to keep himself — and observers — safe:
“Santa will even have a mask on under his beard. Everyone else has to wear one, so Santa will be wearing one too.”
Brookman will distribute treat bags — safely, of course — to youngsters and stop for photos along the route, which stretches from Whitney Pier to Ashby and back.
(with files from the Cape Breton Post)