BARRHEAD- The Barrhead parks and recreation department hope to bring scenes from people's favourite Christmas movies to life.
After a yearlong hiatus, Barrhead will once again have a Christmas parade, which is being dubbed as the Polar Parade, on Friday, Dec. 10, starting at 6 p.m.
Parks and recreation programming coordinator Linda Prokott said that in past years the community's Christmas parade was an evening affair timed to coincide with Main Street's light-up festivities. Due to the timing and the work involved, the rec department decided to delay the parade until December.
This year’s parade, Prokott said, is being nicknamed the Polar Parade not only after the potentially cooler winter temperatures that accompany a winter parade, but as a play on words referring to the movie the Polar Express.
"That is because our theme is holiday movies," she said, but noted parade entries don't have to follow the theme. "We encourage it, but people can create a float on their own theme."
While parade participants entries can be on any theme, they are asked to follow some basic guidelines.
For instance, pets are allowed as long as they are on a leash, and participants are asked not to throw candy, for safety reasons.
If people want to give out candy or other items, they should hand them directly to parade spectators.
Participants are also asked not to have any Santa Clauses as part of their entry as there is only one Santa, Prokott said, adding town staff have made a special arrangement with the "one and only Santa" and he will be in attendance to close the parade.
Participants were asked to pre-register by Dec. 3, but late entries will be accepted. However, they are asked to contact Prokott at 780-674-2532 or at [email protected].
The parade will follow the town's pre-established route starting on Elevator Road, which will also double as the staging area (facing west), then proceed east down to 50th Avenue, turning north onto Main Street before turning west onto 52nd Avenue then turning south at 52nd Street.
Skate with Santa
Father Christmas will also be making an appearance in Barrhead on Friday, Dec. 17, from 5:30-7 p.m. during the town's Skate with Santa event.
Prokott said due to COVID-19 and public health restrictions, the event will be held outdoors on the ice rink next to the Agrena, depending on the weather.
"We will have fire pits, marshmallows to roast and various outdoor activities such as making snow castles, ice cube sculptures and ice bubbles. We will have music going, colourful lighting, it will be very festive," Prokott said. "Of course, people will get a chance to have their pictures taken with Santa."
New Year's Eve
Recreation staff are also in the process of planning the town's First Night festivities.
Activities will include a Toonie Swim at the Barrhead Regional Aquatics Centre from 6:30-8:30 p.m. and goodie bags will also be available at the swimming pool reception desk.
Fireworks at the Barrhead Sportsgrounds will be set off by the Barrhead Regional Fire Services at 9 p.m.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
