Dec. 3 will be a day of excitement for young and old here.
That is the day Santa Claus will make his annual appearance in town. Planning is underway with several bands booked. Organizers suggest entrants build their entries around the theme, Christmas Around The World, but that is not mandatory. Any Christmas display is welcome. The parade will assemble at O.A. Smith (formerly GSW) employee parking lot at 550 Hill St. W. and are asked to be at the lot by 1pm.
The parade route has changed slightly this year. At 1:30pm it will start by going south on Beatty Line, then east on St. Andrew St. W. to St. David Street, turn south, go across the bridge, right onto bridge, then right again onto Queen Street.
It follows Queen Street to Tower, south on Tower Street to Albert Street, dispersing at Albert and St. David Street south. People picking up children from the parade are asked to arrange to meet them at the ball diamond on the east side of St. David.
There will be about 60 entries in the parade, and they all need room to get onto Albert Street and not block traffic on Tower Street.
Safety on the floats is a big concern with the committee. A safety railing must be around any seating area, chairs are to be secured onto the trailer they are on. All drivers must possess a valid driver’s licence, and cars must have licence plates. Horses are welcome in the parade.
Riders are asked to please be accompanied by a person with appropriate equipment to ensure the street remains free of evidence of the horses. Complete parade description and entry forms can be picked up at either Fergus or Elora Information Centres, F & E News Express on St. Andrew St., the Wellington Advertiser office on Gartshore Street and William Decorating on St. Andrew St West.
Registration forms will also be available in the parking lot on the day of the parade. The parade committee is established by members of the Fergus Kinsmen, Optimist and Lions Clubs, and is financed by contributions from Centre Wellington Township, the Fergus BIA, and private contributions.
