MOUNT FOREST – It’s beginning to sound a lot like Christmas in Mount Forest, where the theme of this year’s Santa Claus Parade will be all about the magic of Christmas music and the sounds of the season.
Residents here are readying their floats – stringing trailers with lights, garlands and gift wrap to ensure Santa Claus has a warm welcome to town on Dec. 5.
The Mount Forest Lions Club has organized the parade since 1938 and will do so again this year.
“Let’s make Santa feel at Ho-Ho-Home in Mount Forest again this year!” Lions encourage.
According to the Lions, Mount Forest has become known far and wide for its “excellent” parade, and they hope to keep the tradition going and making Mount Forest a destination town.
It will begin at 7pm at the old arena, go west along King Street, then head north up Main Street towards the fire hall.
Floats will be judged, based on the magical Christmas music theme, in four categories: most colourful, biggest and brightest, best use of theme and best youth.
To enter a float in the parade, email mflions38@gmail.com or message the Mount Forest Lions Club on Facebook.
Though registration is preferred, participants can also show up at the old arena after 5:30pm on Dec. 5 to join in.
Participants are asked to enter off Wellington Street, where there will be volunteers to guide them into place. (Parade order will be first come first served.)
Transport trucks are to pull into the church parking lot, while smaller pick up trucks will line up through the middle of the fairground track.
The Curling Club parking lot will be available for parking and dropping off float riders – people are asked not to park in the church parking lot.
Participants can sign in on parade night at the old arena building.
Organizers ask that people not throw candy from the floats.
After the parade, floats are welcome to dismantle at the fire hall.
