BIA sets date for ‘Parade of Lights’

While fall has only just begun, the local Business Improvement Association already is thinking about Christmas—having scheduled its 50th-annual “Parade of Lights” for Saturday, Nov. 24.
“It’s going to be here a lot sooner than people realize,” BIA co-ordinator Patti Anderson said this morning.
Celebrating “Christmas Thru the Decades” as the theme, those wanting to enter floats are asked to choose their favourite decade—whether it’s the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, or ’90s—and decorate appropriately.
“We’re hoping people have a little fun with that,” Anderson said. “Pick a decade—’50s, ’60s, ’70s—whatever your little heart’s desire, and go from there.
“I’m really hoping it will bring out some fun stuff,” she added.
Anderson noted “The 12 Days of Christmas” was considered for the theme, but organizers figured that might limit the variety amongst floats and opted instead to go with one that ties into the parade’s 50th anniversary.
No Santas are needed—he’s already accounted for—and Anderson noted it’s rumoured the Jolly Old Elf will be riding in a “spiffed up” sleigh this year.
As in past years, those with floats also are encouraged not to throw candy from them.
The parade lineup will start at 3 p.m. at the Shevlin wood yard (come through the riverfront entrance). Judging will take place at 3:30 p.m., with prizes for the top three floats.
The parade then will leave the wood yard starting at 4 p.m. and proceed west on Scott Street to Central Avenue.
Anderson noted the start time is a little earlier than recent years.
“We found that by the time floats were leaving [the wood yard], they weren’t making it downtown for almost two hours. It was making a really long parade for everybody,” she remarked.
“It will be dark by 4 p.m., so there’s no reason we can’t have it start then.
“It’s to get people out sooner. Then, maybe we’ll have more people downtown,” added Anderson. “I think we’ve been losing some people by having them come downtown, go home, and then come back.”
Anderson also said there still will be some daylight left for the 3 p.m. lineup, which has, in the past, been a bit chaotic, what with vehicles coming in and out of the wood yard, not to mention the children and horses.
“We’re going to try to organize that better,” she stressed. “Lining up during the day should be a lot safer.”
Anderson also needs volunteers for the parade, whether it’s to direct traffic at the entrances and exit to the wood yard or walk along with the parade and keeping it going.
Someone’s even needed to run the list of winning floats down to the live broadcast Shaw Cable does so the announcers will know which floats to point out before the procession goes by them.
Call 274-7502 to pre-register a float or to volunteer.