Santa will return to Clyde this Sunday when the sixth annual Santa Claus Parade takes to the streets.
The parade starts at 5 p.m. on Dec. 1 at the Clyde curling rink and winds its way south along 49 Street to 47 Avenue, where it turns west for one block before heading north along 50 Street to the ice rink.
Clyde Parks and Play member Bev Pollard said it’s too early to know how many floats and other entries will be in the parade, because many people wait to see the weather the day of before deciding to enter.
“It will always go ahead,” she said. “It’s just the participants will go up or down.”
Once the parade reaches its conclusion at the ice rink and skate shack, Pollard said Santa will hop off his sled and make his way indoors to greet children young and old and find out what they want for Christmas.
For the hungry, as well as the adults who already know what they’re getting, she said there will be hot dogs and hot chocolate on offer.
Following Santa’s wish-taking time, Pollard said there will be a small fireworks display in the field near the skate shack.
While she knows full well the temperature could dip quite low, Pollard said there is still no reason not to come out to the festivities.
“It’s a lot of fun,” she said. “It’s a great community event. Come out, you can visit with your neighbours or people you know, even if you don’t live in the community.”
Anyone who is interested in entering a float or some other marching display is welcome to let Pollard know ahead of time, or simply show up before the parade starts.
“We don’t ask people to pre-register,” she said. “If you want to participate in the parade, we just ask that they are at the curling complex by 4:30 p.m. because we will be judging at 4:45.”
Entries can be as extravagant or as low-key as you want, she added.
Last year there were seven floats entered. That was more than in 2011, but right about on average from previous years.
On the other hand, spectators were down in 2012, with about 35 people deciding not to brave the -20 C temperatures that gripped the region last year.
Although there’s no guarantee the weather will be warmer, or cooler, Pollard said she’s certain the street and park will be packed with people.
“Every year it’s a great turnout, so we hope for the same thing this year,” she said.
For more information, or to book your spot in the parade, call Pollard at 780-348-5520 or Shonda Sawchyn at 780-348-5933.
