BONNYVILLE – After planning the annual Santa Claus Parade to be held as a stationary event at the Bonnyville and District Centennial Centre (C2) parking lot, the Town of Bonnyville has now announced the parade won’t be so static after all.
After consulting with local health officials, the Town’s event organizers have decided it will host a traditional parade that will see Santa and other community floats make their way eastward down Main Street beginning at 5 p.m. on Dec. 10.
“We’re so excited that we are able to get back to a regular parade after we had to cancel it last year,” said parade organizer Doreen Kushnir.
The route will match that of previous years, with floats assembling at the Player’s Lounge at 4 p.m. and making their way along Main Street toward the C2.
“Council is excited to be able to walk the float down Main Street so all the kids and families can kick start Christmas holidays and see Santa,” said Town of Bonnyville Mayor Elisa Brosseau.
When plans for the annual parade were first being drawn up, organizers were unsure if the event could be regulated in a way that would ensure the safety of attendees and those involved with the event, explains a statement released by the Town on Friday morning.
After the Town’s administration reached out to health officials seeking clarification on the mandates surrounding parades, it was decided a more traditional, moving parade could be held.
“The Town knew how important it was to families to be able to have a bit of normalcy at Christmas after the last couple of years,” stated Robynne Henry, the communications coordinator for the Town.
“We just ask that families social distance from those outside of their cohorts, and enjoy the event as safely as possible.”
Float registration for the parade has been extended until Wednesday, Dec. 8, giving local organizations and groups that would like to be included in the parade more time to sign up.
Kushnir described the community’s response to the event as “overwhelmingly great.”
“We’ve had so many submissions so far. We extended the deadline to make sure that everyone who wants to participate can,” she added.
Those interested in participating in the parade have until Wednesday to submit their float registration form to the Town of Bonnyville.
