THUNDER BAY – The more the merrier.
That’s the message being delivered by Rotarian Dawn Sebesta, the chair of the 32nd annual Rotary Santa Claus Parade.
“Last year we had about 48 floats. This year we’re hoping to get at least 55, just to have a few more than last year,” Sebesta said.
“We’d like anybody that’s interested to go to rotaryparade.ca, our brand-new website, and register your float. We do have a deadline of Nov. 11, but we’ll take floats pretty much right up to the day before. So please, Thunder Bay, support the parade and make it a fun day for the kids and enter a float.”
This year’s parade will take place on Saturday, Nov. 16, with the same route as last year, starting at the Superstore parking lot, then traveling up Memorial Avenue and winding up at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium.
“It’s just a wonderful day to start off our Christmas season and the kids just get so excited,” Sebesta said.
“I saw a couple of interviews that media did along the side of the road with the kids and they were heartwarming. The kids have so much fun. The message to Thunder Bay is come out, put a float in and then come out and enjoy the day.”
The best part? Entering a float is free, Sebesta said.
The parade, which is presented by Gore Motors, is scheduled to start at 10 a.m., and up to 20,000 people are expected to line the parade route.
It’s an absolute joy to stage, Sebesta said, saying it’s her favourite event of the year.
“I think we keep doing it because it does start off the Christmas season, but also, it’s a wonderful family event. Let’s face it, you see all those smiling kids along with their parents along the route, it just makes it all worth it.
“It warms my heart as a Rotarian to see that and that’s why we continue to do it every single year.”
At the conclusion of the Santa Claus Parade, refreshments will be available at the Auditorium, where the star of the day, Jolly Old Saint Nick himself, will be on hand to take picture with and talk to children of all ages.
