Owen Sound’s annual Kiwanis Santa Claus Parade is still a go this year, but it won’t be the same as usual.
The Kiwanis Club of Owen Sound has announced additional details about the event planned for Nov. 21 outside the Bayshore Community Centre.
In short, it’s a drive-thru parade.
Instead of lining the sidewalks and waiting for floats to drive-by, parade-goers will instead drive past a stationary set-up that will include some elements of the traditional event outside the Bayshore to celebrate the holidays.
“The Santa Claus parade is one of our favourite events to put on,” says Kiwanis President Andrew Drury. “We love being a part of holiday spirit and our members, parade participants, sponsors, and volunteers together put on something special for families to enjoy. We couldn’t imagine not having a parade, but we did have to re-imagine what that may look like.”
Owen Sound’s drive-thru Santa Claus parade is set for 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 21 outside the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre.
The route for vehicles to proceed through the stationary parade is one-way, entering the Bayshore Community Centre at 18th Street East.
Attendees must stay in their vehicles and there is no pedestrian access permitted. There will also be a dedicated bus departing from the Owen Sound Transit Terminal to take individuals and families to the parade before returning, with a limited number of riders per trip.
It is free to attend, but residents are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army Food Drive.
The Kiwanis Club of Owen Sound has organized the city’s Santa Claus Parade for the past 74 years.