It may not look very festive outside yet, but the Timmins Santa Claus parade is just weeks away.
Before it winds its way through Downtown Timmins on Saturday, Nov. 13, more floats are needed.
Downtown Timmins BIA executive director Cindy Campbell said they are about halfway to where they need to be with entries.
“Right now anybody that’s interested in putting in an entry, if they give us a call we’re more than happy to help them understand what that looks like. For some it’s a marching band, for some it’s a decorated vehicle, for some it’s a decorated flatbed, for some it’s dancing behind a truck playing music — there are so many different options available to people that want to enter,” said Campbell.
This year's theme is North Pole Fantasy. The cost for parade entries is $40.
The local parade was cancelled last year due to COVID-19.
Today, the province announced capacity limits at outdoor, organized public events have been lifted to allow for events such as Santa Claus Parades.
Children and families are extremely happy the annual event is returning, said Campbell.
"I do have to say that we understand that businesses are a little tired, everybody’s working short-staffed and to take on something a little extra could be a lot for some people. But they seem to be really rallying around it and understanding that the people in the City of Timmins supported local and supported downtown during COVID as best they could and we want to be able to give that back,” she said.
For people interested in participating, the BIA has seven tips. They are:
- Don't forget to register!
- Design your float based on the theme, you'll only need a handful of volunteers to put it together.
- Contact a transportation company if you need a larger vehicle and ask if they'll donate. The BIA has a list of companies.
- Another option is using a pick-up truck and pulling a trailer.
- Show up for the parade.
- Celebrate with an after-parade warm-up party to plan next year's entry.
If the BIA doesn't get the additional 20 floats needed for the parade, Campbell said the committee would discuss if the parade goes ahead.
"I understand that next week tends to be the week that we tend to get the majority of entries so we’re all cautiously optimistic and positive that this is a go,” she said.
For more details or to register, call 705-264-8733.
