Largest Santa Claus Parade yet coming Saturday, November 28
Parade starts at 6 p.m. and starts and Sandwich St. and William St.
Posted By Ron Giofu/The Amherstburg Echo
Posted 2 months ago
AMHERSTBURG — The fourth annual Santa Claus Parade takes to the streets of Amherstburg Nov. 28 and organizers say this is going to be the biggest one yet.
Even though the deadline for entries has passed, Windsor Parade Corporation executive director Maggie Durocher said people are still trying to enter this year's parade.
"It's the largest parade by far," said Durocher. "We're still getting applications."
Durocher said there will be over 50 entries into the parade and not only is she pleased with the number of entries, but the enthusiasm of those involved. In terms of size, she said it is similar to the parade that is held annually in Windsor.
"We're pretty excited," she said. "It's going to have a big city look about it. It's been a full sized city parade."
Due to ongoing construction, the route of the parade has changed this year. Staging will be on William St. near Stella Maris School and the actual route will see the parade go down Sandwich St. from William St. to Richmond St., head west on Richmond St. before ending at the Navy Yard Park at the corner of Richmond St. and Dalhousie St. The parade starts at 6 p.m.
Durocher said they are pleased that the route ends at the Navy Yard Park as that provides for a nice backdrop for Santa Claus and is a good location for the events that follow the parade. She added that with it being in the downtown core of Amherstburg, it allows their sponsors to have crowds near their businesses as well.
"We're extremely excited about it," said Durocher.
AM 800 and 89X will be doing live commentary and cut-ins from their location at the corner of Sandwich St. S. and Richmond St. Durocher said that will further help put Amherstburg on the map.
"We can certainly expect big crowds and a big parade. I think (the public) will really enjoy it," she said. "I think our community will be really proud of it. Anyone can come, anyone can enjoy it. It will not disappoint."
An Amherstburg resident, Durocher said they started the parade in town as "a lark" four years ago but now "it certainly has taken on a life of its own." She believes seeing the looks on the kids' faces makes it all worthwhile.
"We've stepped up to the plate with this year's event," she added. "The community can be very proud of it and we're proud to put it out there."
More information and maps can be found online at www.santaparade.org.
