Santa Claus would be taken to Santa Studio on 6 Clarence Street from here, where he would reach by 3:00 PM. All of his fans can come here to share some time with him, while having the complimentary hot chocolate, which has been sponsored by Ten Thousand Villages. He will also be handing out the contents of his fabled presents sack, Goodie bags pitched in by downtown businesses.
Ever popular with children, Santa Claus would be waiting for children who would wish to be photographed with him. Photographer Precious LaPlante would be clicking snaps for a mere $5.
35 groups will be participating in the subsequent Santa Claus parade, which will be held in the evening at 6:30 PM. Those interesting in joining the festivities and participating, can still sign up for the parade till the event takes place.
In the Santa Claus parade that took place last year, there were about 60 entries. This, according to Events manager Allaina Kane, did make the organisers a bit uncomfortable at the prospect of managing so many people, but everyone participated in the event.
There can be no talk of a parade without bands. The West Seneca West Marching Band will perform this time, along with few others. The Port Colborne air cadets, Port Colborne Lions and the St John Ambulance therapy dogs will also join it. Only one float would include Santa in the Santa Claus Parade in Port Colborne, the one boarded by Santa Claus himself.
A few businesses, who have keen on attending the festivities, like the Misty Kids, who had earlier taken part in the Winter Festival of Lights, would be there too. All parade entries, however, had been asked to list if they wish to hand out anything to the crowds and have been warned to not use the opportunity to distribute advertising material.
The parade would begin from Port Colborne High school, go down to Steel Street to Clarence, upto West street. From it will move to Charlotte Street. and end at city hall.