MAPLETON – Santa Claus will make pre-Christmas visits to the township this year, although his travel plans have been modified in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This year, Mapleton Fire/Rescue will be Santa’s reindeer, pulling him through the entire town of Drayton on Dec. 4.
“So that he can safely visit all the children big and small, we will be arranging areas for families that don’t live in town to be able to park their vehicle and see him go by,” fire department officials state.
The exact locations will be released closer to the event date.
“Santa has also asked us to make sure that all the kids have their letters for him ready as we will be collecting them as we drive by,” officials state. Children are asked have letters sealed in an envelope.
“No need for postage as we will be hand-delivering these to the big man in red, and make sure you have your name and address on your letters so Santa can reply,” officials note.
Firefighters will also be collecting donations for the local food bank and handing out some surprises along the way.
“We know things have been different this year and let us reassure you that we will be doing this with everyone’s health and safety in mind,” officials state.
Mapleton Fire/Rescue plan to release a route that Santa will be travelling with approximate times he will be in specific areas.
The following day, the Moorefield Optimist Club and Hensall Coop Drayton are teaming up to present the 2020 reverse Christmas Parade at Hensall Coop’s Drayton location at 7153 Sideroad 12 Mapleton on Dec 5 from 6 to 8:30pm.
“Santa will be on site, social distancing of course,” organizers note.
Families are invited to visit in their vehicles and bring a donation to Drayton Foodbank.
All local businesses, families and clubs are invited to bring a float or set up a table display to spread the Christmas cheer.
For information contact Neil Driscoll at 519-501-0137.
Despite a decision to cancel the traditional Santa Claus parade and Breakfast with Santa event in Alma, the local Optimist Club has announced plans to make Christmas brighter for local residents.
As the Christmas season approaches, the Optimist Club of Alma is encouraging both businesses and residents “to light up the town like we’ve never done before!”
“We’re encouraging community members and businesses to put up more lights and uplifting messages of hope, faith, strength, Christmas spirit and solidarity than ever before,” club officials state.
Residents and businesses are encouraged to put up lights and/or positive messages, snap a photo, and send it to the club through its Facebook page for a chance at one of three prizes.
Photos must be submitted no later than Dec. 11.
The club will be also making a slideshow for Alma Public School and the children will have a chance to vote for a fan favorite.
