THUNDER BAY — Santa Claus is coming back to town.
The Christmas icon and his wife, Mrs. Claus, will be the centrepiece of the 31st annual Rotary Santa Claus Parade, scheduled to start at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18 along its traditional Memorial Avenue route.
Dawn Sebesta, a co-organizer of the event, said last year’s parade drew about 10,000 people out, and it’s one of the most popular events of the year.
“I think it’s really important for the City of Thunder Bay, and to bring it back. It’s a free event, so all the families can come out and bring their children. They don’t have to worry about it costing anything. And I think it really does start off the Christmas season, with Santa Claus appearing and everything,” Sebesta said.
Rotarians used Wednesday’s announcement as a call to action for businesses and organizations in the area to register to put in a float. Sebesta said they’ve had a few organizations inform them they won’t be back in 2023, but there’s plenty of room for newcomers.
“We are hopeful that Thunder Bay will step up again, as they did last year, and we’ll have at least 60-plus floats. Thunder Bay, I’m hoping you’ll really come through for us, visit parade@fwrotary.ca and register a float,” Sebesta said, adding there is not cost to join the parade.
“It’s a wonderful event and it’s really a feel-good day for the families and their children.”
