Duane Hicks
Put on your ugly sweater and get yourself to Scott Street tomorrow because Santa Claus is coming to town!
The Fort Frances Community Christmas Parade, which is set to get underway at 5:30 p.m., has shaped up to be one the grandest in recent years.
“We have well over 30 groups involved,” noted parade co-ordinator Scott Krienke-Turvey.
This number includes not only floats but groups volunteering, such as the Muskie boys’ hockey team and the Voyageur Lions Club doing security.
There also will be some horses and a horse-and-wagon, as well as couple of groups serving up hot chocolate at different spots along the parade route.
“And from what I hear, the library has a bit of a surprise for us,” said Krienke-Turvey.
“So that ought to prove interesting.”
Perhaps most importantly, the weather report from the North Pole indicates “Santa will have no problem getting here,” he added.
The parade lineup will be staged at the Fort Frances Public Library at 5 p.m., with float judging at 5:15 p.m.
Prizes will be given out to the best floats.
The parade then will start at 5:30 p.m. and proceed west along Scott Street, ending at From the Grind Up.
Motorists are reminded not to park along Scott Street, or on Reid Avenue or Gillon Street, Krienke-Turvey stressed.
This year’s theme is “Old-Fashioned Christmas,” and everyone—no matter if you’re on a float or watching the parade—also is urged to wear their ugliest Christmas sweater.
“Put ’em on over top your layers, stay warm—but wear your ugly sweater where we can see it and show yourself,” said Krienke-Turvey.
“Don’t hide in the back of the crowd,” he added.
Judges will keep an eye open for those with the best “ugly” sweaters and award prizes accordingly.
