Leamington holding drive-thru parade again November 27

LEAMINGTON– For the second year in a row, Santa Claus Parade in Leamington will be heading back to Point Pelee National Park.

“The Leamington District Chamber of Commerce again looks forward to bringing the annual Santa Claus Parade to the community,” said Chad Robinson, LDCC Christmas Parade Chair. “Every year the community comes out in full force the night of the parade and from the comments coming in, this tradition will continue, of course, with a few COVID tweaks. We are so grateful for the partnership with Parks Canada and Point Pelee National Park.”

The drive-thru event will be held in Point Pelee National Park on Nov. 27 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Spectators can view the floats, mascots, clowns, elves, Mrs. Claus and Santa himself from their vehicle. The floats will be stationary and the spectators will drive by, enjoying the lit-up entries as well as the beauty of Canada’s most southern National Park.

“Point Pelee is delighted to be able to showcase their park, all while helping the community celebrate the Santa Claus Parade,” said Robinson.

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 just before seeing Santa and Mrs. Claus. Children can bring their Santa letter to put in the mailbox and letters with return addresses will get a reply.

Families, clubs, organizations and businesses can enter a float ahead of time, and people are allowed on the float if they are following COVID-19 protocols by physical distancing and wearing a mask. Use your imagination! You can also park one car next to the float and wave from inside.

The Chamber asks for confirmation of your float ahead of time as parade participants will be assigned spots by the size of the entries.

“Our plans, like so many of yours, have changed, and we welcome your participation. We are thrilled to bring this drive-thru experience and chance to see the magic of Santa in this new format,” said Wendy Parsons, General Manager of the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce. “Point Pelee National Park came on board last year and due to the ongoing restrictions, we have made a few adjustments and we are excited to be back in the park again this year. It’s all about the kids!”

Parsons explained that the Leamington District Chamber of Commerce will continue with the parade, unless directed otherwise health officials.

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

For more information or to register your float, call Wendy at 519-326-2721 or email info@leamingtonchamber.com.