FERGUS – Having not missed a single year since its start in the early 1980s, the Fergus Santa Claus Parade will be returning yet again on Dec. 2 with the theme “Winter Wonderland.”
Float assembly will begin at 12:30pm at the A.O. Smith parking lot (599 Hill Street. W) and the parade will begin at 1:30pm from there.
The parade will travel down Hill Street and make a left at Maple Street.
The floats and participants will make another left onto St. Andrew Street West, then to St. David Street North, ending once again at the A.O. Smith parking lot.
“I look forward to the people coming out,” said Fergus Optimist and parade committee member Jim Dandy.
“It’s amazing, the number of people who come out to see the parade.”
The Lions, Optimist, Kinsmen and Rotary Clubs of Fergus organize the parade – and have done so since around 1980, according to Dandy.
The four clubs, along with other volunteers, will have barricades set up during the event.
It is requested that people do not try travel on the streets during this time.
Volunteers will be on street corners with safety vests, and Dandy asks the community to respect these people, who are giving up their Saturday afternoon to ensure safety at the parade.
“You simply will not be able to get through downtown from about 1 to 3pm,” said Dandy.
The Centre Wellington Food Bank will also be at the parade collecting food items and cash donations for the Christmas Food Drive.
“The food bank will have a vehicle in the parade and they will pick up donations as they go through the parade,” said Dandy.
Post office letter carriers will be around to collect letters to Santa – but make sure a return address is on the envelope if you want a letter back.
Floats will be registered the day of the parade, so there is still time to enter.
Forms, along with more information about the parade, can be found online at ferguslionsclub.org/fergus-santa-claus-parade.
Questions can be directed to Fergus.Santa.Parade@gmail.com.
