Owen Sound Santa Clause Parade (Photo by Nathan Shubert)
Santa Claus is coming to town this weekend for the annual Kiwanis parade in Owen Sound.
Kiwanis Santa Claus Parade Chair Tim Brown says the event is set to go this Saturday starting at 5 p.m.
“We start right by Metro on 2nd Avenue East, continue down 2nd Avenue East all they way to 8th Street, go over 8th Street to 3rd Avenue East and back down that 3rd Avenue East to 9th Street, that is the full length of our parade,” says Brown.
He says they are looking to have another busy parade again this year with about 90 floats participating.
“We are expecting a great turnout again. We have had really good crowds that last five plus years and we are expecting another great crowd. Santa and Mrs. Claus are going to be visiting the Market building after the parade to get some pictures with kids,” says Brown.
Additionally, the Owen Sound Fire Department and Salvation Army will be participating in the event collecting toy, food and monetary donations to support families in need this holiday season.
“It’s an easy event to come and enjoy yourself and see Santa, see all the floats that people put hours into decorating, and they can benefit other families who may be aren’t quite as fortunate by giving donations to the food bank and toys to the fire department,” says Brown.
He adds the parade will run just over an hour.
The Festival of Northern Lights will take place once the parade is finished.
Additionally, the River District’s Holiday Magic event will be running from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., which includes outdoor seating, fire tables, photos with Santa, contests, giveaways, specials, and sales at local businesses.