NEWS RELEASE
BARRIE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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The Barrie Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the 75th annual Barrie Santa Claus Parade, happening on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024.
The parade will feature beloved floats, live entertainment and a host of new attractions to enhance the festive spirit, including the Santa's Fireside Gathering and a free transit shuttle service for easy access.
Here’s everything you need to know about the event, road closures, and travel options to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Event Highlights and New Attractions
- The 75th running of the Barrie Santa Claus Parade: Starting at 5 p.m., travelling northbound on Lakeshore Drive, from Tiffin Street, up through Toronto Street, and eastbound on Dunlop Street to the end at Poyntz Street. See the map below. For everyone’s safety, please avoid standing on the median between the north and southbound lanes on Lakeshore Drive — enjoy the parade from the lakeside instead.
- Santa’s Fireside Gathering at Centennial Park: This cozy new viewing area offers a warm fire pit and food trucks serving a variety of delicious treats. Limited bleacher seating will also be available. Free to attend, this area provides an enhanced viewing experience for spectators. Note that Lakeshore Drive will be closed, so access will require walking. We’ll light the fire pit at 2 p.m.
- Free Transit Shuttle Service: To alleviate congestion, a complimentary park-and-ride shuttle service will operate from Bayfield Mall, running from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Park behind the mall and hop on/off at Barrie Transit Stop No. 203 on Coulter Street. This service will drop off/pick-up within walking distance of the parade route for convenient access.
- Santa’s Helpers, Canada Post: Will be collecting letters to Santa all along the route. They’ll be near the front, following the marching band. Have your letters ready to be sent via special delivery up to the North Pole!
Attention Parents and Those Enjoying the Parade:
Our main priority is to make sure that everyone can have a great time while staying safe. Remember to stay clear of the road to protect yourself and your loved ones from any potential harm.
It is dangerous to sit on the curb with your feet on the road.
We request that everyone stays off the roadway at all times.
Safe viewing tips:
- Public viewing starts on Lakeshore Drive north of the Tiffin Boat Launch – do not gather in the parade marshalling area on Lakeshore Drive east of Tiffin Street or the Tiffin Street intersection.
- Viewing is not permitted from the medians along Lakeshore Drive – please gather along the lake side of the road and in Centennial Park for the best viewing along Lakeshore Drive
- Please stand or sit up on the curb and stay off the road, including intersections and streets that are closed for the event.
Let's all come together to ensure that everyone stays safe and secure at the event. Our main focus is on the well being of all attendees and participants to make this an incredible experience for everyone involved.
Road Closures
To ensure the safety of all participants and spectators, the following road closures will be in effect:
- Dunlop Street from High Street/Bradford Street Dunlop to Poyntz Street and Owen Street from Dunlop Street East to Collier Street: Closed both ways from 6 a.m. until after the parade and tree lighting (approximately 8:30pm).
- Lakeshore Drive between Tiffin Street and Minet’s Point Drive: Closed both ways from 1 p.m. until after the parade (approximately 6:30 p.m.).
- Lakeshore Drive from Tiffin Street to Simcoe Street and Toronto Street from Simcoe Street to Dunlop Street West: Closed both ways from 4 p.m. until after the parade (approximately 7 p.m.).
- Simcoe Street from Bayfield Street to Dunlop Street East: Closed both ways from 4 p.m. until after the tree lighting (approximately 8:30 p.m.)
- Mulcaster Street from Dunlop Street East to Collier Street: Closed from 4 p.m. until the parade passes (approximately 7 p.m.)
Limited Access Area (highlighted in red on the provided map in gallery):
- From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., vehicles will not be able to enter/exit the highlighted area until the parade has passed and the roads are re-opened. We strongly encourage residents and businesses who need to travel outside in/out of this area to do so before or after this time.
- For parade spectators, parking west of Lakeshore Drive and north of Dunlop Street is recommended.
- Access points will be located at police-controlled intersections: Toronto Street / Simcoe Street and Dunlop Street East / Mulcaster Street. Access will be limited and permitted only once safe to do so. Expect delays.
Let's all come together to ensure that everyone stays safe and secure at the event. Our main focus is on the well being of all attendees and participants to make this an incredible experience for everyone involved.
Thanks for working with us to ensure everyone's safety.
For more information and updates, please visit https://www.barriechamber.com/santa.
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