ELORA – After sitting out last year’s parade here due to COVID-19 restrictions, Saint Nick will be returning this year for his annual trip through the village.
The Elora Lions Club has announced the Elora Santa Claus Parade will take place on Nov. 27 at 6:15pm.
“We’re really excited,” said Josef Van den Borre, past president of the club and one of the parade organizers.
“At this point, based on what the health unit has directed … we can run the same parade route.”
The nighttime parade, which usually includes about 30 to 35 illuminated floats, starts at the corner of Geddes and Sophia streets, travels down Geddes and Metcalfe, turns left on East Mill Street and ends around Bissell Park, with unloading between the park and Irvine Street.
“We’re asking (spectators) to be conscious of the current protocols from the health unit and observe them as best they can,” Van den Borre told the Advertiser.
He explained both parade participants and spectators must be masked and distanced unless with members of their own household, and participants are not allowed to hand out candy or any other items.
Registration forms for those wanting to enter the parade should be available soon at eloralions.org or by emailing eloralions@gmail.com.
Van den Borre said the club is hoping to have the Centre Wellington Food Bank gather donations at the parade, but those details will be confirmed closer to the parade date.
Pulling off a parade in a month is a “daunting task,” he said, noting the Ontario government just announced on Oct. 22 that Christmas parades can proceed this year.
Lions Club members are excited he added, but they could also use some help.
In particular, the club could use volunteers to direct foot traffic and help disperse the crowd following the parade.
Anyone interested in helping out can email eloralions@gmail.com.
