Point Pelee to host drive-thru Santa Claus Parade November 27

POINT PELEE — On the success of last year’s drive-thru Santa Claus Parade at Point Pelee National Park, the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce is once again venturing into the wilderness to spread some holiday cheer.

The parade will set up much like last year, with some revisions to traffic flow and will also start an hour earlier and run from 5 pm to 8 pm.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there with all of their elves, clowns and mascots, along with several other local floats you are used to seeing in the uptown parade on an annual basis.

“Point Pelee is delighted to be able to showcase their park, all while helping the community celebrate the Santa Claus Parade,” says parade chair Chad Robinson. “We are so grateful for the partnership with Parks Canada and Point Pelee National Park.”

Floats will be stationary, while visitors drive through the park to see the different entries from the comfort of their own vehicle.

Entries are still needed, according to Wendy Parsons, General Manager of the Chamber.

“We’d like lots of entries, so please come out and join us,” she said. You can contact Wendy at 519-326-2721.

Unlike last year, the Toys for Tots and Salvation Army entries will settle in at the Marsh Boardwalk, near the end of the parade. Last year, they were set up at the beginning of the parade, just inside the gates. You can bring unused toys and can goods for both of those worthy organizations, as well as any letters to Santa.

Santa greets a family as they drive through last year’s parade at Point Pelee National Park.

SUN file photo

There is no cost to enter the park. To address traffic concerns from last year, organizers have the OPP on board, who will close off access from anywhere but the Bevel Line.

If you are planning on going, they suggest you line up at the park gates starting at 4:45 pm and no sooner. This gives the parade floats and participants a chance to get into the park without being impeded by traffic.

“We have to keep it fair for everyone,” said Parsons. “This is why we want people to approach from the Bevel Line only.”

Monarch Lane (off Robson Rd) at Bevel Line will be closed to traffic, as will Concessions C, D and E, along Point Pelee Drive.

Last year’s lineup stretched all the way back to the Roma Club on Seacliff Drive. Closing off an entry point at Monarch Lane will help with those traffic concerns.