Journal staff
The Sarnia Kinsmen Santa Claus parade returns this Saturday, Dec. 2, with more than 60 entires, including a slew of floats, local dignitaries, and marching bands.
Beginning at Exmouth and Christina Streets at 6 p.m., the parade will travel south, down Christina Street before ending at Christina and Wellington.
The Theme this year is “Christmas All Around Town,” and includes the two U.S. marching bands, the H.S. Marching Band from Memphis, and the Port Huron Northern Band.
“Every year thousands of residents and visitors line Christina Street to get a glimpse of this magical parade which has become a yearly tradition for thousands of families,” the Kinsmen Club said in a news release. “This event would not be possible without the community’s support and the dedication of all the volunteers and sponsors.
“Enbridge has come onboard again as a major sponsor which will helps offset some of the costs incurred.”
Organizers have partnered with Sarnia Christina School to collect canned food items and donations. Volunteers will be collecting canned food, grocery products and monetary donations along the route which will be shared among the local food banks.
Spectators are asked to place their canned food in bags.
More than $15,000 in monetary donations and over 6000lbs. of non-perishable food has been collected in the past three years, organizers noted.
The Canadian Postal workers of Sarnia will also be on hand collecting letters for Santa. Be sure to include the address:
Santa Claus North Pole H0H 0H0 Canada
For all float entries/ participants
New this year, the Parade will line-up on Front Street, between London Road and Exmouth Street. Parade participants can only enter from London Road and turn right onto Front Street. Marshals will direct you to your position. Front Street at Exmouth will be closed at 2 p.m. no entry unless registered parade participant.
Participants can start to arriving into the marshalling area at 2:30, floats must be ready by 4:45 p.m., and ready to move by 5:30 p.m. in order to start at 6 p.m. No participants will be allowed in the area after 5p.m.