It’s hard to believe the man in red finds time to make so many visits during the Christmas season, but he will again show his bearded face in our region next weekend.
The fourth annual Clyde Santa Claus Parade will take place this Sunday at 5 p.m. and will also include a few other family-friendly activities.
“It’s really good. Bring your kids out, watch the fireworks, have some hot chocolate and see Santa Claus,” said organizer Bev Pollard. “It’s just a fun couple hours and gives them something to do.”
The free event is hosted by Clyde Parks & Play, a volunteer community group that aims to enhance life in the community. The village will provide free hot dogs and hot chocolate to all in attendance.
The parade was started as a way to say thank you to the residents who support the group’s fundraising activities, and has been a successful new activity, Pollard said.
“Clyde, to our knowledge, had never had anything like this so we thought it would be good for the community,” she said.
The response, both from parade entries and from the audience, has been very positive over the years, although weather has sometimes been a factor.
“The second year, we didn’t have quite as big of a crowd, because it was very cold,” she said. “It’s been very good, though, we usually end up with 200-300 people.”
Last year’s parade had 15 entries, which includes some horse teams.
The parade starts at 5 p.m. at the curling rink, then winds its way down Main Street and ends at the skating rink. Once the parade is finished, the fireworks display starts.
Santa Claus, of course, will be on hand to give out candy.
Everyone is welcome to attend the free event, and Pollard encourages families to come out to help get in the holiday mood.
“It’s just a fun evening out and gets you in the Christmas spirit, when you have an evening like that and people go all out with their lights and whatnot on their entries,” she said.
