You better not pout – Santa Claus is coming to (Old) Town next month.
The jolly old elf will be the featured attraction as Niagara-on-the-Lake hosts its annual Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 11 a.m.
“We’ve been around for over 50 years,” said John Strecker, who chairs the parade’s donation committee.
The parade made its return in 2022 after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Strecker said turnout that year was smaller than in other years.
“I think there was still some hesitancy because of COVID,” he said.
As is tradition, the parade will start at the intersection of King and Centre streets in Old Town and travel along Castlereagh, Wellington, Byron/Prideaux, Simcoe and Queen streets.
There is still time for individuals and groups to take part in the parade. Entry forms are available at www.notl.com. Entry is free.
Residents are also being encouraged to purchase parade buttons – this year, they feature a design by artist Gail Kerr, a member of the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre.
Buttons are $3 each and are available for purchase at various locations throughout town and on the day of the parade.
“People always ask me where the money from the buttons goes,” Strecker said. “We use it to pay for the marching bands (for travel expenses). This year we have five bands coming from all over Ontario.”
The parade committee is also welcoming donations from businesses and individuals to help cover the cost of the event.
Anyone wishing to help can make a donation by mail to: Christmas Parade Committee, PO Box 100, Virgil, ON, L0S 1T0 or drop it off at the Town’s administrative offices at 1593 Four Mile Creek Rd. in Virgil.
