It’s the time of year area and village residents, young and old, have been waiting for with the arrival of Santa Claus.
Hosted again this year by the OptiMrs. Club, the evening parade is set to make its way along the main street starting at 7pm on Nov. 24 with its “Christmas in Hollywood” theme.
Club members who have organized this year’s parade are Susan O’Neill, Debbie Bannister and Colleen Fleet.
“Floats can opt to join the theme, or have a general theme – the more the merrier,” O’Neill said.
Parade floats and participants will assemble at the Arthur public school on Conestoga Street where there is ample room before heading out.
“Annually the OptiMrs. organize the parade with assistance from both the Arthur Optimist Club and Arthur Lions Club,” O’Neill added.
There is no charge to enter the parade and everyone is welcome to participate, she said.
Past parades have seen a variety of entries, including antique tractors and floats put in by businesses, churches and service clubs.
The club is always looking for suggestions to improve the parade.
“Recently we were throwing around some ideas, about possibly moving the parade up an hour – to hold it the last Saturday of November, to begin at 6pm, rather than 7pm,” O’Neill said. “This might possibly bring some more shoppers to the downtown area, between 5 and 6pm on that Saturday. It was suggested that we hold the parade the last Friday evening of November to help out local business.”
The club has also explored other options for the parade.
O’Neill added this year’s parade promises to be equally popular as previous parades which have seen crowds line the streets.
“Hot chocolate and timbits will be at the fire hall on main street where children can visit with Santa after the parade,” O’Neill said.
