Port Hope welcomes back Santa Claus Parade
By Cecilia Nasmith
Put the Municipality of Port Hope on the list of locales hosting a traditional Santa Claus Parade this holiday season, with theirs planned for Saturday, Nov. 27 at 1 p.m. - with COVID-19 protocols in effect.
“We are thrilled to host the Santa Claus parade street-side once again, after pivoting last year to a reverse parade,” Mayor Bob Sanderson said in the announcement.
“This is the first large-scale event that we are hosting in the community since the pandemic started. While it is encouraging and a step towards pre-pandemic times that we can gather in larger groups again, I encourage residents and visitors to be mindful of the protocols that remain in place to help keep our community safe.”
The parade will resume its traditional route, starting at Ridout Street, along Walton Street to Queen Street, and then south to Augusta Street.
This follows on the province's removal of capacity limits at outdoor organized public events, and the parade has been organized within the provincial guidelines.
Participants and spectators are encouraged to stay on Santa’s Nice List by following the mandated provincial protocols:
Avoid gathering where possible – the parade route is long, and spectators are encouraged to spread out where possible
Maintain physical distancing of two metres from those not in your household
Wear a mask – even though this event is outdoors, please wear a mask along the parade route
Residents and community groups interested in participating in the parade may visit porthopesantaclausparade.ca to register in advance and review safety guidelines. Confirmation of float and walking-party approval will be provided via email.