The Christmas season officially begins in Wallaceburg today, as the 47th annual Knights of Pythias Santa Clause Parade comes to town. Here is everything you need to know.
Staging area
The floats and participants in the parade will be setting up on Arnold Street, from Dufferin Avenue to Garnet Street. Municipal officials will have the road blocked off. In the past, participants have been envouraged to be set up by 1 p.m.
The overall theme for the parade this year is ‘Mystical Christmas’.
Parade route
The parade begins at 2 p.m. today.
The procession will starting at the staging area on Arnold Street and proceed east on Dufferin Avenue, continuing east on James Street, north on Nelson Street, west on Elgin Street and concluding at the St. Clair Catholic District School Board Parking Lot on Elgin Street.
Bring your canned goods and food
The St. Bernard Dogs and the Chatham-Kent Fire Department Station #3 will be accepting canned goods and non-perishable foods items at the beginning of the parade.
The donated items will be distributed evenly to the Salvation Army and Saint Vincent de Paul food banks in Wallaceburg.
They will also be collecting non-perishable food and other items for the Wallaceburg Animal Shelter.
Monetary donations
The Chatham-Kent Fire Department Stations #3 will also be collecting monetary donations at the beginning of the parade. The proceeds will go to the Chatham-Kent Children’s Services Christmas Child Sponsor Program.
Letters for Santa
Kids are being encouraged to bring their letters to Santa to the parade. The Wallaceburg Post Office letter carriers will be collecting them along the parade route. Make sure the letter contains their full name and address, so Santa can write back.
Lawn tractors
There will be a contingent of lawn tractors once again, as the participants continue to attempt to break the Guinness World record. There are special prizes designated for the lawn tractor category.
Beautiful weather
It’s a little chilly this morning, but it is expected to be sunny with a high of 9°C by parade time. It will be a bit breezy. with the wind coming from the west at 20 km/h this morning. Later tonight wind gusts are expcted to climb to 40 km/h. Bring a blanket and some hot chocolate, bundle up and enjoy the nice sunny day!
Send your photos
Please feel free to send your parade photos to us at the Sydenham Current! You can e-mail them to aaron@sydenhamcurrent.ca, text them to 519-365-1079 or send them to our Facebook page, by clicking here.
