Pictou parades herald start of Christmas
NEW GLASGOW, N.S. — Pictou County is getting into the Christmas spirit this weekend with parades, fireworks and tree lightings.
“The weather looks good, Santa looks great,” said Paula Munro-Fraser during a meeting where details in the 2019 Christmas Parade in New Glasgow were being ironed out. “I was talking to Santa earlier today and he’s pretty enthusiastic.”
Meanwhile, over in Westville, things are getting into high gear for the annual Parade of Lights.
“It’s always well attended and we’re getting excited again,” said Westville Mayor Lennie White. “There’s going to be the parade, followed by fireworks and then a gathering at the fire hall with Santa, hot chocolate and treats.”
Traditionally, the tree lighting has been at the cenotaph in Westville, but this year White said the town tree will be lit at the fire hall. It all happens in Westville on Dec. 7 starting at 7 p.m.
In New Glasgow, the Christmas Parade happens on Dec. 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Roads will be closed as parade entrants make their way through downtown New Glasgow and there will be no parking along the route from 4 to 8 p.m.
“Safety is paramount for the participants and the spectators as well,” said New Glasgow Regional Police Const. Ken MacDonald. “To maximize safety, we do a complete road closure with officers located strategically along the route enforcing traffic and monitoring safety on the route.”
All entries in this year’s parade will gather behind the Aberdeen Business Centre, and members with the New Glasgow Fire Department will be there to direct floats.
The Christmas tree lighting in New Glasgow will take place immediately after the parade in Glasgow Square.
In both parades, anyone wanting to walk in the parade or enter a float is being reminded that walking beside motorized floats is prohibited, and no one is allowed on or off the float once it has started.
Also, entries are not permitted to throw or distribute any candy or treats. All items must be passed by hand.
People are encouraged to bring nonperishable food items to both parades for donation to the food bank.