Duane Hicks
It looks like Santa will be riding in style during the Fort Frances Community Christmas Parade on Nov. 28.
A call for donations to help repair Santa’s sleigh was met with overwhelming support from local businesses and residents, who donated more than twice the amount needed.
“We got tons of donations over the last week,” enthused parade co-ordinator Scott Krienke-Turvey.
He noted about one-third of the donations were personal while two-thirds were from local businesses.
“Everybody that has donated clearly indicated that this is a needed community event,” he added.
“There’s been minimal Scrooges.”
Krienke-Turvey said organizers had estimated at least $700 was needed to fix up Santa’s sleigh for the parade.
“We have about doubled that,” he noted.
The funds will be used to upgrade the float, with any leftover funds going to support the parade, such as paying for more prizes.
“Any donations we’re taking now, we’re telling people that the donation will go toward something other than [Santa’s] float,” said Krienke-Turvey.
“We’re taking donations for prizes for the ‘Ugly Sweater’ contest, and we’re actually going to be handing out more prizes—small but noticeable prizes for more people,” he added.
Those in the parade, as well as those watching it, are being urged to wear their ugliest Christmas sweater.
“Wear your ugly sweater,” said Krienke-Turvey. “If it’s cold, put your coat on and put your ugly sweater on top.
“It will just make it uglier.”
This year’s theme is “Old-Fashioned Christmas.”
People are also encouraged to help the parade by donating their time, noted Krienke-Turvey.
Helping hands are needed for the rebuild of the Santa float this Saturday (Nov. 21) as well as during the parade itself on Nov. 28. For the latter, volunteers will be asked to show up around 4:30 p.m.
The parade lineup will be staged at the Fort Frances Public Library and MNR parking lots. Starting at 5:30 p.m., they will go up Reid Avenue and proceed west along Scott Street, ending at From the Grind Up.
The number of registered floats is up to about 15, not including groups of horses, horse-and-buggies, and more.
“We’ve got probably one of the bigger parades we’ve had in recent years,” noted Krienke-Turvey.
Those wanting to enter a float, volunteer, or otherwise help out with the parade should call Krienke-Turvey at 274-0123.
