Santa shining his sleigh bells for Sudbury parade

Be good, for goodness sake, because Santa Claus is busy shining up his sleigh for his annual visit to downtown Sudbury. The annual Greater Sudbury Santa Claus Parade takes place Nov. 22.

“It kicks off the Christmas season in the community,” said Downtown Sudbury executive director Maureen Luoma.

“It is certainly truly a community event that brings all ages together. It celebrates the season not only for those that are watching the parade, but the thousands that are in the parade. Everybody becomes a child at Christmastime, and it starts with the parade.”

Over the years, the event has turned into something of a pre-Christmas festival, with the Santa Watch Party — with activities including free wagon rides and children's activities — starting in the downtown at 2 p.m.

About 30,000 people have shown up for the parade and Santa Watch Party for the past few years, Luoma said.

NorthernLife.ca, Sudbury Living Magazine and Sudbury Sports Magazine are also in on the fun. People are invited to gather outside the Northern Life building, located at 158 Elgin St., from 4-7 p.m. Nov. 22, at our Santa's Cabin.

Staffers will hand out free hot chocolate and candy canes courtesy of Vrab's Independent Grocers and Giant Tiger, free Sudbury Living Parents magazines and Northern Life colouring contest pages (with a chance to win a $50 Toys 'R Us gift certificate).

The parade itself, which will likely include about 80 floats, bands and marching groups, starts at 5:30 p.m.

It begins at the intersection of Notre Dame Avenue and Ste. Anne and winds through the downtown, ending at the intersection of Elgin Street and Ste. Anne Road.

This year's theme is “Christmas Past or Future.” The deadline for registrations is Nov. 7. After the parade ends — likely sometime after 7 p.m. — there will be fireworks in the downtown.

Those interested in entering a group in the parade are asked to visit www.sudburysantaclausparade.com or phone 705-674-4455, ext. 2453.