The local Business Improvement Association is gearing up for the 50th-annual “Parade of Lights” on Saturday, Nov. 24—and wants the community to help make this one bigger and better than ever.
“We need everybody to get their thinking caps on,” BIA co-ordinator Patti Anderson said yesterday, adding there’s only a little over three weeks to go before the big day.
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.
“Pick a decade and really go for it,” enthused Anderson.
She said those wanting ideas about what might be appropriate for each decade can just “Google it” on the Internet.
If you don’t have a computer, give Anderson a call at 274-7502 or e-mail her at biaff@bellnet.ca—she’s done a little research and has some ideas to share.
“We definitely need some floats,” she noted. “You don’t have to pre-register but a lot of people do, which is really great. It helps me out.”
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 Nov. 24 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 at 3:30-4 p.m., with prizes for the top three floats.
The parade then will leave the wood yard by 4:30 p.m. and proceed west on Scott Street to Central Avenue.
Anderson also 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.
If you can’t make it downtown for the parade, the event once again will be broadcast live on Shaw (Channel 10).
Call 274-7502 to pre-register a float, volunteer, or donate candy.
Anderson also noted the BIA is looking to get individuals and service clubs on board to help refurbish Santa’s float in time for this year’s Christmas parade.
“We’re going to try and contact the different locals clubs to see who’s interested in helping, whether it’s donating money, time, or materials,” she noted.
“Anybody who’s interested, call me for sure.”
Anderson said the BIA board has been discussing giving Santa’s ride a total makeover (new reindeer, for instance), but will need to raise some funds or partner with another group before being able to do so.
< *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 a small fee, they can buy a photo taken by a photographer there.
Anderson noted the “lunch” part of the event had to be changed this year. Because Warp 9 has closed, no downtown location can hold 200 children and be able to provide them a hotdog lunch at the same time.
As it is, Anderson is expecting activities at the museum will have to be split between the upper and main floors for this year’s event.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
