Santa Claus is coming to Elora, Ontario on Saturday, November 24 at 6pm. The theme for this year’s parade is “Let it Snow, let it snow, let it snow” and we may just have a bit for Saturday evening if the current weather prediction is correct. The lights on the floats will sparkle just a little more, and seem a bit merrier with some snow in the air. Wrap up your scarf and be prepared to join in the festive mood.
The Elora Lions Club has been busy organizing everything. The bands and dancers have been booked for ages, and Santa has been asked to squeeze Elora into his busy schedule. I wonder if they have to book a year in advance. Apparently, he is in for a surprise this year. The Lions Club members have been busy revamping his float. Like all floats, Santa’s will have plenty of lights to shine into the night.
With the evening time slot and the twinkle of the lights, we have a party atmosphere at the Elora parade. How can you beat glitz and sparkle? Merriment is what parades are all about, and we’ve got it. Each float is required to have lights and lighted decorations in order to participate. But lights always go beyond the floats. Our delightfully talented band members could disappear into the dark, but most get into the spirit of the season, and decorate themselves with battery operated lights. Their enthusiasm shows, and we love it. Everyone in the Elora parade, whether riding or walking, wants to exhibit their most festive, glittering best.
Of course, Santa is the biggest draw for the parade, but it’s always fun to see friends and neighbours on the floats, and lining the streets of the parade route. Every group, young and old, has its own creative way of expressing the season and theme. It’s fabulous to watch the floats go by, and to marvel and the work that the volunteers have put into their display.
This year’s Elora Santa Claus Parade starts on David St. From there it will wind it’s way down Geddes and Metcalfe streets, turn onto Mill St. East and end at Bissell Park. Follow Santa all the way to the KIPP (Kitchen In the Park Project) ovens for family activities, cookies, and an opportunity for a chat. I hope you been behaving yourself this year. Santa will know.
Have you written your letter to Santa, yet? If so, bring it along to the parade. Give your letter to Santa’s special post office elves as they walk along the parade route, and they will pass it on to Santa. For those who are still refining their list on Saturday, you still have time. The Elora Post Office has a special direct-to-North-Pole maibox waiting to take your letters. Just drop them off during business hours, and the express delivery reindeer will do the rest.
It was warm for the parade in Elora last year, but the weather forecast is cooler with rain or snow this time around. Pull on your woolies, warm jackets, mitts and boots before you head downtown. Don’t forget to bundle the little ones in extra blankets to keep them toastie warm while they wait for Santa. If it’s cold enough we’ll all have red noses, just like Rudolf.
