The local Business Improvement Association has been trying to make the 50th-annual “Parade of Lights” this coming Saturday a parade to remember—and it looks like they’ll get their wish.
“I’ve had more people register this year that I ever have,” BIA co-ordinator Patti Anderson enthused yesterday. “It’s very impressive, and good to see.
“We’re going to have a nice variety.”
Celebrating “Christmas Thru the Decades” as the theme, those entering floats have been asked to choose their favourite decade—whether it’s the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, or ’90s—and decorate appropriately.
“I’ve got one doing the ’70s, I’ve got two groups doing the ’50s,” noted Anderson. “Whatever they choose to do is cool with me as long as its a little different.”
A total of 12 floats had registered as of yesterday morning but Anderson expects more later this week—and is counting on at least some floats just showing up before the parade.
“But I’m really appreciating that people are phoning in advance. It helps me to tell them how to get in [to the Shevlin wood yard],” she noted.
She also said knowing who’s lining up also helps co-ordinate people who come to the wood yard to meet up with a float they’re supposed to be on.
Those wanting to enter a float should know that no Santas are needed—he’s already accounted for.
As in past years, those with floats also are encouraged not to throw candy from them (but anyone with leftover Hallowe’en candy is welcome to donate it to the BIA to give out at the parade).
The parade lineup will start at 3 p.m. at the Shevlin wood yard. Anderson is stressing floats should enter the yard from the Front Street entrance—not Scott Street.
Judging will take place around 4-4:15 p.m., with prizes for the top three floats.
The parade then will leave the wood yard between 4:45-5 p.m. and proceed west on Scott Street to Central Avenue.
Parade-goers can expect to see Salvation Army volunteers leading the way, collecting food and unwrapped toys for its Christmas hampers, as well as “Mitts for Kids” volunteers collecting cash or donations of new hand-made or store-bought mitts, winter hats, and scarves.
Anderson still needs volunteers for the parade, both to direct traffic at the entrances and exit to the wood yard and to be “elves” to walk alongside Santa’s sleigh.
Call 274-7502 to pre-register a float or to volunteer.
If you can’t make it downtown for the parade on Saturday, it will be broadcast live on Shaw (Channel 10).
< *c>Museum open house
Also Saturday, there will be an open house at the Fort Frances Museum from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Curator Pam Hawley said there will be free refreshments and activities for children.
The public is encouraged to drop by while they’re shopping downtown, either to warm their toes and have a snack and beverage, or check out the “Count Your Pennies” exhibit on the main floor or the Fort Frances exhibit on the top floor.
The Borderland Ensemble will be playing at 2 p.m., and is expected to perform for about 45 minutes, added Hawley.
< *c>Cookies with Santa
In related news, the BIA will be holding “Cookies and Cocoa with Santa” on the Saturday following the “Parade of Lights” (Dec. 1).
A slightly scaled-down version of the popular “Lunch with Santa,” parents and guardians are encouraged to bring children to the Fort Frances Museum between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. that day.
They can enjoy free cookies and cocoa as they visit with the jolly old elf.
Parents can bring their cameras and take a picture of their child on Santa’s lap, or, for $2, they can buy a photo taken by a photographer there.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
