The time has come for Woolwich residents to line Arthur Street waiting for Santa’s wave.
The annual Santa Claus Parade is coming to Elmira on Dec. 3, starting at 10 a.m. sharp.
This year, there are new costumes and a new band to entertain crowds while they await the big man in red.
“It really is a great community event. We put a lot of effort into and it is just for everyone to enjoy,” said Kiwanis Club member and parade chair Lyndon Zeigel, adding he hopes the weather is bright and crispy when Santa takes to the streets. “It is supposed to be nice weather. The long-term forecast says it is supposed to be plus-5 and sunny, so come on out and support the community.”
This year, joining the eight bands making their annual appearance is the renowned Royal Canadian Legion Pipe and Drum Band out of Hamilton.
“They do plenty of Santa Claus parades and just parades in general, all across the province,” said Zeigel. “We have nine bands this year and lots of floats and entries and there will certainly be more coming in the next week or so before the parade.”
The holiday procession starts at Arthur Street North and William Street, making its way south to First Street, then east to the Elmira Legion.
Along with some new sounds in this year’s parade, Kiwanis member Maureen Phillips says there are going to be new costumes to see.
“I do the costumes. I have got a bright colourful parrot, a musk ox and a couple of other new ones,” she said. “I found these warm onesies that are in all these different characters. Everyone should come see them all. We have wonderful costumes, as well as the usual ones.”
The other costumes in the parade come from a seamstress who used to work out of Milton.
“I had to start at the beginning with none,” said Phillips. “There is a lot of work that goes into them. We have a momma, poppa and baby penguin, we have Wizard of Oz costumes. We have bears, dogs and a few I picked up in Holland when I was there. We have costumes for kids and adults and I am always looking for new ones.”
Now, Phillips just needs volunteers to put on those costumes and strut their stuff for those lining Arthur Street.
“Recruiting people is the big thing. I always contact the high school to get students some volunteer hours, but there are other people as well,” she said. “If anybody wants to come out and wear a costume, I have quite a few to fill. Everyone is welcome to join.”
Anyone who wants to volunteer can contact Phillips at 519-669-5770.
The parade runs from 10 a.m. sharp until around 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 3.
In Wellesley Township, St. Clements is holding its Santa Claus parade on Dec. 17. In the Village of Wellesley, the Christmas Tyme Parade is on Dec. 9.
