Arthur Santa parade going ‘tropical’

WELLINGTON NORTH – It may be an unseasonably warm Santa Claus parade in Arthur with this year’s theme of “Tropical Christmas.”

The parade begins at 7pm on Nov. 26 at Arthur Public School before turning east onto Smith Street/Highway 6 and ending at the RBC bank location in downtown Arthur, next to Charles Street. 

Food donations won’t be collected during the parade.

After the parade, residents can warm up with hot chocolate and snacks provided by the OptiMrs, and visit with Santa Claus at the Arthur Fire Station. Helena Rooyakkers will provide music.

Last year, the number of floats was capped, but this year it’s anyone’s guess as to how many there will be. In previous years, there have been upwards of 30 floats, said OptiMrs president Shawna Lougheed. 

Registration is not required this year, and those wishing to enter floats can simply show up.

On Nov. 27 food and toy donations are being accepted at Arthur Foodland from 12 to 5pm, with food going to the Arthur Food Bank, and toys going to the Arthur Lions Club for its Christmas hampers.

“Come out and support the community, enjoy yourselves – that’s why we’re here,” Lougheed said.

Community News Staff