Mr. and Mrs. Claus prepare for Niagara tour
Posted By Don Fraser, Standard Staff
Updated 2 months ago
Santa Claus and his better half are ho-ho-hoping for snow this weekend.
Just a dusting — to get parade-goers in the spirit.
So reveals Karen Ellison, acting communications co-ordinator for the City of St. Catharines, who recently spoke to Mrs. Claus about their local appearances.
"She's getting everything ready and really hopes it snows," said Ellison. "But they want just a sprinkle.
"Meanwhile, we're getting their special clothes ready and their sleigh prepared," she said. "We're preparing for their secret arrival.
"They're travelling this weekend — just like the Olympic torch relay — and they're going to light up the Niagara region."
The Garden City Kris Kringle celebration takes place Sunday starting at 2:30 p.m. and ends with a family party at Market Square.
The seventh annual parade in St. Catharines features at least 40 entries, including Ridley College's No. 162 Royal Canadian Cadet Corps, and a giant Brock University float with a theme of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.
It's being put together by student volunteers and will join several Niagara parades.
On one part of the display, a miserable Ebenezer Scrooge lies in his bed.
Through a window to the other side, there's a cheery Christmas family scene featuring Tiny Tim.
"The co-operation to make this happen has been wonderful," said Brock community services co-ordinator Kristen Smith.
"Students from different faculties have been involved and we've had support in general across campus."
At the St. Catharines parade, Mr. and Mrs. Claus and others will have treats on hand for the little ones.
Market Square will also be kid-friendly and include inflatable jumpers, pony rides and vendors.
"You can expect decorated ginger-bread cookies, candy apples, crafts and games," said Ellison. "And there will be lots of entertainment for everyone." Cups of piping hot chocolate will also be handed out.
Previous parades have drawn around 5,000 people to St. Catharines' core and temporary road closures will be in effect.
Round one of the Claus duo's regional tour kicks off in Thorold on Saturday at 5 p.m.
That 19th annual parade route goes along Sullivan Avenue from Collier Road to Front Street and continues to the arena.
It features about 50 entries, with some musical highlights including the P.K. Hummingbird Steel Orchestra and the E.L. Crossley Marching Band.
Community Care of St. Catharines-Thorold will have a presence at both parades, including its mitten tree for donated hats, scarves, mittens and socks. In Thorold, the Girl Guides are running the tree.
Community Care is also requesting non-perishable food donations.
People can look forward to free hot chocolate and hotdogs at the end of the Thorold parade at the Towpath Street firehall.
Santa's mailbox will also be collecting Christmas wish letters in Thorold and St. Catharines.
dfraser@stcatharinesstandard.ca
Need to know ...
• 19th annual Thorold Santa Claus Parade: Saturday at 5 p.m., Sullivan Avenue from Collier Road to Front Street's arena, gathering at Towpath Street firehall.
• Seventh annual St. Catharines Santa Claus Parade: Sunday at 2:30 p.m. William and Lake streets, up William to St. Paul Street, continues on James Street and ends at Market Square on King, gathering at Market Square.
• Community Care of St. Catharines-Thorold seeking mitten tree and non-perishable food donations for both parades. Letters accepted for Santa's mailbox.
