Yes Virginia, there will be a Santa Claus parade

By Mark Ribble

LEAMINGTON — Families in the area will be happy to note that the Leamington Chamber of Commerce Santa Claus Parade will go on as scheduled, with some obvious changes.

“The Leamington District Chamber of Commerce again looks forward to bringing the annual Santa Claus Parade to the community, but in a different way this year” said LDCC Christmas Parade Chair, Chad Robinson.

Save the date for November 28, between 6 pm and 8 pm as the new ‘Reverse” Santa Claus Parade will take place inside Point Pelee National Park for the first time.

Details are still being worked out as to the location within the park, but the floats will be stationary, while spectators will be driving through to view the floats from the comfort of their own vehicles.

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

Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived at the front entrance to Point Pelee National Park on Sunday to scope out the new location for the annual Leamington District Chamber of Commerce Santa Claus Parade, which will happen November 28.

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

There is no cost to enter the park, but the Chamber strongly encourages attendees to bring a donation for the food bank and/or a toy for Toys for Tots, which will be collected along the parade route. Children can bring their ‘letters to Santa’ to put in the mailbox and letters with return addresses will get a reply from the big guy himself.

Families, clubs, organizations, and businesses can enter a float ahead of time, and people are allowed on the float if they are following COVID protocols by physical distancing and wearing a mask.

“Our plans, like so many of yours, have changed and we welcome your participation,” said Chamber General Manager Wendy Parsons. “We are thrilled to bring this drive-thru experience and chance to see the magic of Santa in this new format. It’s all about the kids!”

“We will brainstorm through challenges and seek creative ways to ensure the event will be safe and enjoyable. We could be told we have to cancel at a moment’s notice, so we must plan around those parameters,” she added. “We know our entrants have to rethink what they are doing this year, and we also know those who attend will appreciate the reimagined entries.”

The buzz is noticeable in and around the offices of those on the chamber board, and Parsons can’t wait for November 28 to arrive.

“We are so excited to see how this will come to fruition.”

Applications for float entries will be available this week at the chamber office. You can call Wendy Parsons at 519-326-2721 or email info@leamingtonchamber.com.