Santa was a hit in Clinton’s parade in 2011.
Bullet News HURON COUNTY – In the continued spirit of tornado recovery, tomorrow night’s Santa Claus parade in Goderich’s downtown will repeat the theme of last year: Heart Lights – The Spirit of Goderich Shines Bright.
“We repeated last year’s theme because we had the sense of people being very hopeful and being very positive about what was going to be happening around town,” said Wanda Keith, the town’s festival and special events co-ordinator.
More than 70 entries – including three paid bands, St. Anne’s concert band, Carry On Cloggers and a dance troupe called Dance Techniques – will wind their way through Goderich’s downtown, against a backdrop of construction and replanting. There is so much music this year that Keith has spent some time trying to space out floats.
And, of course, Santa will bring up the end of the parade, riding once again on a float, complements of the Goderich Kinsmen Club.
“Last year was an unusual year. I think people rallied because of the tornado. We had over 60 floats last year. Previous to that, we would normally have about 40 or 50 floats,” Keith said.
The parade route begins at Wellington and West Street then heads up to The Square, where it will circle in a clockwise direction – the opposite direction that traffic usually travels on The Square – to South Street. The parade ends at South and Elgin streets.
Spectators will not be allowed on the inside of The Square due to the construction fencing. Organizers also hope spectators will stay in line with the bumpers of parked vehicles and on the sidewalk on the outside of The Square to give enough room for the entries to manouevre.
The Rotary Club is bringing its hot dog wagon to Hamilton Street at The Square, starting at noon through to the evening’s festivities.
There is a new location for the lighting of a few trees, decorations and static displays due to the construction in the downtown core. This year, the snowmen, train, nativity scene and other displays are set up in Lions Harbour Park, on West Street, with the lights switched on just prior to the Santa Claus Parade.
There will be seasonal music by the Laketown Band starting at 6:20 p.m. in Lions Harbour Park. The lights are turned on at the ceremony, which welcomes everyone to the Festival of Lights at 6:50 p.m. The 4th Goderich Scouts will serve hot chocolate, courtesy of Tim Horton’s.
The Santa Claus Parade begins at approximately 7:15 p.m. Please note the change in times. This is to allow those at the ceremony the time to get into position to watch the parade.
There will be a collection of non-perishable items for local food banks.
Tonight, there will be a Candlelight Dedication and Lighting of the Angel Tree, the MADD Tree and the Alzheimer Tree, starting at 7 p.m. in Lions Harbour Park. The ministerial association will lead in prayer, with music by Mary Smith. A list of names of children who have died through the year, and people who were killed or injured by drunk drivers during the year will be read during the ceremony. Hot chocolate and cider will be served.
The trio of trees will stay lit as a silent vigil through the holiday season.
“It’s more somber. But it’s a good time to reflect and allows people the chance that they’re not forgotten,” Keith said.
The town will plow the road through the Lions Harbour Park during the winter months, so that vehicles can drive past the memorial trees and the Christmas display.
Huron County Christmas parade and tree lighting ceremony roundup:
Exeter Tree Lighting Ceremony, Exeter
Date: Friday, Nov. 23, from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Location: MacNaughton Park
Wingham Lions Santa Claus Parade, Wingham
Date: Saturday, Nov. 24, from 11 a.m. to noon
Location: Wingham Lions Santa Claus parade will wind its way down Josephine Street in Wingham. Children are invited to meet Santa at the Fire Hall following the parade.
Exeter Lions Santa Claus Parade, Exeter
Date: Saturday, Nov. 24, from noon to 1 p.m.
Location: Commences corner Huron and Main Streets and terminates South Huron Recreation Centre. Also free public skating from 2:30 p.m. until 4 p.m.
Hospital Auxiliary’s Tree of Lights Celebration, Seaforth
Date: Sunday, Nov. 25, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Seaforth Community Hospital. Santa will visit with patients. There is a Santa letter box and work display of local public school children.
Seaforth Lions Santa Claus Parade, Seaforth
Date: Friday, Nov. 30, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Lighted Santa Claus parade.
Brussels Santa Claus Parade, Brussels
Date: Saturday, Dec. 1, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Come out and enjoy a great family evening. Visit with Santa after the parade. Free skating is available.
Clinton Christmas Parade 2012, Clinton
Date: Friday, Dec. 7, starting at 7 p.m., immediately following the Lighting of the Trees at the Library Park.
Location: Christmas Parade of Lights, presented by Clinton Kinsmen and Kinettes, takes place on main streets of town. Theme: The Heart of the Holidays
