Jodi Evers from Kings and Castles is holding out hope that the theft of their Christmas parade float from the Bayview Drive business was somehow just an accident.
“My husband thinks I’m being naive, but I’m hoping it was someone who thought it was abandoned,” Evers told BarrieToday. “I really hope this was all just a mistake.”
Kings and Castles is an indoor playground in Barrie's south end that caters to families and parties.
Last year, they entered the Barrie Santa Claus Parade with their 14-foot long float, which sat outside their business recently.
“We had it out front, thinking no one would take it because of its size and where it was located, overlooking Bayview Drive,” Evers said. “It wasn’t on a trailer, just sitting on the pavement. We couldn’t believe it when we showed up and it was gone.”
The business's security camera caught a man in a pickup truck pulling up to the float and taking 15 minutes to take it apart, eventually loading it into his truck.
The theft happened on Monday at 2 p.m., which is really mind-boggling Evers.
“It was two in the afternoon; I can’t believe someone didn't see it,” she said. “We are usually there all the time, but because of it being Easter Monday, we stayed home and went over at 7 p.m. to get some stuff done.”
Evers’ husband has been canvassing other businesses for more video, with no luck.
The family was going to be taking the float home to be used as something for the kids to play with in the backyard.
The theft also came at the worst possible time for the business owners given physical-distancing measures, which run counter to everything Kings and Castles is all about.
“We’re just going through so much as a business right now, this was a real kick in the gut,” Evers said. “We are really struggling, obviously, as we can’t be open. And even when this is done, I don't know who is going to come to indoor playgrounds.”
Kings and Castles is planning to open their restaurant section for takeout orders soon to help alleviate some of the financial burden, but Evers said they are not yet eligible for government help.
Evers said she hopes the person responsible will reach out and return the float after realizing the emotional damage they’ve caused for a family.
“Police told us that it is likely someone looking for the plywood off it, but I really hope the person sees this and brings it back,” Evers said. “It means a lot more than just parts to us.”
