Santa Claus parading through St. Catharines
Santa Claus is making his list, checking it twice and visiting St. Catharines to see first hand who’s naughty or nice.
The jolly old elf will be guest of honour at the city’s Santa Claus Parade Sunday.
“It’s the kickoff to the holiday season,” said Brianne Wilson, acting community and events supervisor for the city. “Being in November, it helps to get everyone into the festive spirit and sets the tone for the weeks to follow.”
The parade will take place rain, snow or shine and will feature a variety of entries that Wilson said people have come to expect from the holiday parade.
“There will be everything from marching bands and trampoline parks, to local businesses and, of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus,” she said, adding there will also be appearances from local sports teams such as the Niagara IceDogs and Niagara River Lions.
The parade begins at 1 p.m. on McGuire Street, behind Meridian Centre and will travel along McGuire, moving north on Carlisle Street, then west on St. Paul Street to Queen Street where it will come to an end.
Paradegoers are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item, hats or mittens to be donated to Community Care St. Catharines and Thorold. The donations will be collected along the parade route.
Canada Post will be collecting letters for Santa.
Wilson said the festive fun will continue after the parade ends with a party at Meridian Centre.
Running 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. there will be an opportunity to visit with Santa, partake in kids crafts and face painting, and a free skate. People can enter and exit via the Rankin Gateway. There will also be pony rides outside of the arena. The concession booth will be open inside the arena.
Doors open at 1:30 p.m. with access to change rooms to lace up. Everyone 14 years of age and younger must wear a helmet while on the ice for the free skating.
For more information on the parade, visit stcatharines.ca.