FERGUS – Santa Claus is coming to town this weekend as organizers welcome back the Fergus Santa Claus Parade.
“We’re ecstatic,” parade chairman Jim Dandy said of returning the parade to its traditional format.
“We’re just happy beyond words that we can do this. Everybody who works on this is a volunteer and it’s very much a community parade.”
Keeping in line with public health recommendations, Dandy said officials are requesting people abide by health and safety protocols, which will include:
– people on floats are asked to remain masked if they can’t social distance;
– floats are asked not to give handouts of candy or anything else; and
– organizers are requesting people respect distance or wear a mask.
The event is set for Dec. 4 and the parade begins at 1:30pm from the A.O. Smith factory in Fergus. Float assembly begins at 12:30pm.
The event is organized by the same committee that has annually presented the popular event, which includes members of the Fergus Lions, Centre Wellington Optimists and Fergus Kinsmen.
This year the Rotary Club of Fergus-Elora is also taking part in organizing the celebration.
In an Oct. 26 interview with the Advertiser Dandy said organizers are expecting to see between 45 and 55 entries in the parade.
Flyers have been placed around town with contact information for those looking to enter.
Dandy noted there’s no cost to enter the parade and floats can be entered on the day of, if they choose.
There are monetary prizes for not-for-profits and a plaque for businesses.
“We’re very much hoping for a good turnout,” Dandy said.
“We had a cruise last year where we drove the town … but we had a very good turnout of people as we went by the homes.”
Organizers are also asking people to bring donations for the Centre Wellington Food Bank.
“We so much wanted to do [a traditional parade] last year and weren’t allowed,” he said.
“We found a way to bring Santa to the community and we’re over the moon about (this year’s event).”
