Duane Hicks
Since the announcement of the “Festival of Frost” and the notion of a stationary Santa Claus parade two weeks ago, there’s been plenty of people taking about whether it’s a good idea or not.
But parade organizers are sticking to their guns and sending the message: “If people don’t like it, get involved and make a difference.”
“People have to realize change isn’t necessarily a bad thing,” said Robin Payeur of Causeway Insurance, which is spearheading the Nov. 30 event.
“Last year, we had [just] 11 floats, so that’s indicative to us, the organizers, that it needed a kick in the pants,” she noted.
“So, when this idea came up, I was first very reluctant to entertain the idea,” Payeur admitted. “Then we bounced it around here and we finally said, ‘Let’s give it a go’ because it’s something different.”
Some people are wondering what a stationary parade is. Payeur explained it will be an all-day event where floats are parked on Scott Street, which will be closed off.
Floats can start lining up as early as 9 a.m., and should all be set up by 11 a.m.
Float judging will take place at 3 p.m.
In the past, quite a few of the floats have had participants riding on them, whether they be a church youth group, Community Living, a student group, or sports team.
This begs the question: with a stationary parade, are these people expected to stay on their float all day?
Payeur noted people waving from floats, especially children, is always something to look forward to. But what each float does is up to them.
If the weather is mild, and participants want to take shifts manning their floats, that’s great, she said.
If they want to wait and show up prior to the 3 p.m. judging, that’s fine, too.
Payeur also said those who want to have an activity associated with their float are more than welcome. For example, one group has talked to her about serving hot chocolate and doing face-painting at theirs.
Payeur conceded some people are afraid the event will be too different from what they’ve enjoyed in the past. But in fact, many of the aspects will be the same—or even be improved.
While Santa Claus traditionally waves to parade-goers at the end of the procession each year, Payeur said this year, jolly St. Nick will be downtown that day and children will be able to get their photos taken with him.
“Santa is going to be here and he’s going to be more accessible to the kids,” she noted.
“He’s not going to wave to them as he goes by, he’s actually going to talk to them.
“He’s going to be with them for a period of time.”
Payeur added the food and toy drive will continue, as well. But instead of having the brief duration of the parade to make donations, people will be able to do it throughout the day.
There likely will be drop-off locations at various participating downtown businesses several days prior to Nov. 30.
And because Scott Street will be blocked off, it will allow for all manner of fun activities for families as part of the BIA’s “Festival of Frost.
The Friends of the Fort Frances Museum, for instance, will be selling freshly-baked cookies and hot cocoa as a fundraiser while the Fort Frances Choraliers will sing carols from the steps of the museum.
There’s also talk of dog sled rides, a Christmas story-time, and a kids’ “fun zone.”
“The idea is it’s no longer just a parade—it’s a festival, it’s an event, it’s something a family can enjoy,” stressed Payeur.
“I had one person say they loved the idea because they’re no longer going to be freezing their butts off at 4:30 just for a glimpse of Santa and then face the traffic going home,” she added.
Payeur admitted this year is a “test run.”
“If it flops abysmally, then we’ll say, ‘Hey, guess what? We’ll keep the status quo. We’ll go back to what we know—the true and tried,’” she remarked.
“But this year, it’s a great idea,” she added. “By closing off the streets, the kids enjoy themselves.
“If they want to run over and get some candy, if they want to run across the street to get some hot chocolate, they can do that without fear of getting run over,” she reasoned.
“In the past we’ve had some close calls.
“That’s the thing that pleases me most—it gives kids a safe place to enjoy their Christmas, a safe place to hang out with Santa for a few hours, and get candy and just have fun,” Payer enthused.
“That’s what it’s all about.
Anyone with questions or suggestions is invited to call Payeur at Causeway Insurance (274-6688).
