Photo by Gene Gallin. Free Use. Unsplash
By Cecilia Nasmith
Cobourg's holiday buzz kicks up a notch Saturday, Nov. 28, when the annual Santa Claus Parade begins at 6 p.m.
This year's theme is A Vintage Christmas – a celebration of the timeless charm, nostalgic traditions and storybook wonder of the season.
Each year brings festive floats, twinkling lights, as well as beloved and familiar music to celebrate Santa's big arrival. Expect to see local schools, community groups and organizations represented in themed floats, performances and more – in fact, Experience Cobourg is now accepting registrations for all who want to participate. Visit experiencecobourg.ca/santaclausparade for the application form, and submit by Thursday, Nov. 26.
Before the parade starts, families are invited to visit the Kids' Zone in front of Victoria Hall (55 King St. W.), where an inflatable fun park will be set up and the Art Gallery of Northumberland hosts a Christmas craft workshop.
At the start of the parade, the Fare Share people will be collecting non-perishable food items and cash donations, so community members are invited to bring a donation to help support local families this holiday season.
Also at the beginning of the parade, Santa's elves from Canada Post will collect any letters to Santa the kids care to bring.
Everyone is reminded to dress warmly, and – for the sake of safety – wear reflective clothing to ensure they are visible at night. And if you can't attend, the parade will be livestreamed with commentary on COGECO's YourTV Northumberland (Cable 10/HD Cable 700).
The Town of Cobourg thanks the local sponsors that will make this year's parade possible:
Holly Jolly Sponsors – Arthur's Pub and Moffatt Bros. Roofing Ltd.
Santa's Sleigh Sponsor – Blake Construction Services
Light Up Sponsor – Lions Club of Cobourg
Community Partners – Cobourg Police Service, Fare Share Food Bank and the Town of Cobourg
A final reminder – road closures are involved on Nov. 28 to accommodate parade staging, the parade route and float disembarkation.
Staging areas that will be closed from 3:30 to 7 p.m. are William Street (from University to King), King Street (from William to Margaret) and Ontario Street (from University to Albert).
The parade route closure is simple – King Street from William to D'Arcy, from 3:30 to 8 p.m. Please not that vehicles parked along this route must be removed before 3:30 p.m., as those remaining after that time will be towed.
The float disembarkation area is King Street from D'Arcy to Cottesmore, which will be closed from 6 to 8 p.m. to allow for the safe disembarkation of parade participants and floats.
