It’s getting on that time of year when you’d better not shout and you’d better not cry. Santa Claus is coming to town, and if your eyes are keen enough when his sled pulls up alongside of you on Saturday, Nov. 18, you might see your name on his “nice” list. Beats the “naughty” list any day
The jolly old elf makes his way here on the shoulders of many volunteers with the Barrie Chamber of Commerce, presided over by Patricia Dent.
“The Barrie Chamber has worked hard alongside Downtown Barrie to make sure that families will enjoy this magical annual event to start off the holiday season. For those waiting for Santa to arrive downtown, the festivities will include live entertainment, face painting, and hot chocolate, with a visit from Santa, all topped off by a brilliant fireworks show.”
The parade begins at 5 p.m. from Lakeshore and Tiffin, proceeds west on Tiffin Street, north on Bradford Street, east on Dunlop Street through Downtown Barrie, ending at Poyntz Street.
This year, says Dent, the theme is “musical madness (with) Christmas music on every float, and we anticipate that our participants will be very creative in bringing their favourite Christmas songs to life!”
The man in red digs bands, and this year, the West Bayfield Elementary School ensemble will be heralding his arrival, likewise the Navy League Sea Cadets.
While Santa is a “sure show”, Dent says other kiddie characters remain a mystery.
“Many popular characters from films and television show up every year, but we won't know till the day of which ones will make an appearance.”
Many Santa parades the world over still go in the daytime, but Barrie’s began run its on Saturday evening several years ago, and families consider it that format a rousing success.
Says Dent, “It allows families to enjoy a parade filled with enchantment and enhanced by light displays.
“With construction underway to revitalize Memorial Square, Downtown Barrie is working on a creative way to mark Santa's arrival without a tree in the square to light; with their history of putting on quality community events, we are confident that this will be another great evening for area families.”
Dent adds there’s still space “for floats for any community groups looking to get some great visibility in front of thousands of Barrie area families.”
To find more about the Parade, Saturday, Nov. 18, click here.
