Wallaceburg Santa Claus Parade is a go, rain or shine

File photo (Linda Howlett)

Organizers of the Santa Claus Parade in Wallaceburg say the annual event is a go for Saturday, rain or shine.

Despite a rainfall warning being in effect across Chatham-Kent, Jerry Blake, chancellor in commander for the Knights of Pythias and the co-chair of the parade, told the Sydenham Current “the show must go on.

“Tomorrow is the day, rain or shine. Just way too much planning and logistics, as well as deposit payments, all kinds of stuff… people traveling far distances and a band from the United States,” Blake said.

The parade is set to begin at 2 p.m.

Blake said it takes months of planning to hold the annual event.

“If we changed we may end up with worse weather, or parading on the same day as someone else,” Blake said.

“We just have to cross our fingers and pray for a decent day.”

Here are some more details and information about the parade:

– The route for the parade will stay the same as previous years: Starting on Arnold Street heading north and proceeding on Dufferin Avenue, continuing on James Street, to Nelson Street, turning at Elgin Street and concluding at the St. Clair Catholic District School Board Parking Lot on Elgin Street.

– The ‘Pioneer Days’ theme this year is celebrating Canada’s 150th anniversary.

– The line up begins at 1 p.m. along Arnold Street

– There will be three prizes given out to the top register floats.

– Canada Post workers will be collecting ‘Letters to Santa’ during the parade.

– Chatham-Kent firefighters will be collecting non-perishable food items and canned goods for the food bank.

– Dawne Mudford is set to be the parade marshal.

– The festivities get started at the K of P Hall, located at 225 Nelson Street in Wallaceburg, with ‘Breakfast with Santa’ on Saturday. It starts at 8 a.m. and runs to 11 a.m. Cost is $6 for adults and kids that are 12 and over, while children 11 and under are free.

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