ELORA – The closure of Colborne Street for construction is causing a “hiccup” for the Elora Lions, who are deep into planning the Elora Santa Claus Parade.
The parade, on Nov. 29 beginning at 6:15pm, will follow its traditional route starting at Sophia and Geddes streets, head south through downtown, down the hill on Metcalfe, turn left onto East Mill Street and end at Bissell Park.
That’s all good, said Josef Van den Borre, one of the parade organizers.
“It’s getting the floats back to Sophia (after the parade) that’s the issue because Colborne Street is closed for construction,” he said.
It’s an issue that will be resolved by parade day with assistance from the township, Van den Borre said with assurance.
What the club really needs is volunteers, he said – at least two at each barricade, or 35 to 40 total.
This is to ensure the safety of parade participants and parade watchers.
But that aside, Van den Borre said groups and businesses are entering their floats and it promises to be a good event.
The parade is illuminated – every float and every walking group will be lit up in some way.
“Over half our parade is not-for-profits, churches or schools,” he said. “So it’s the community that’s actually putting on the parade and that makes it exciting. It’s really cool.”
Also exciting is that Santa Claus has confirmed his attendance.
“Santa knows, Santa cares and Santa will be there,” Van den Borre said.
He recalled the parade had to be cancelled one year because of the COVID-19 pandemic. So there was a lot of pent-up desire the next year to hold it again.
And when Santa reached David Street, “all you could hear was this roar from the crowd. It was totally amazing,” Van den Borre said.
As in past years, volunteers will be collecting donations of cash, gift cards or food for the Centre Wellington Food Bank.
Parade watchers are also reminded not to park on Geddes or Metcalfe streets to make it easier and safer for those watching the parade.
To register a float or walking group, visit eloralions.org to find the online application.
Anyone interested in volunteering can email eloralions@gmail.com.
