With COVID-19 cases on the rise, most municipalities have cancelled their annual Santa Claus parades, or found alternative ways to celebrate the season.
In Bradford West Gwillimbury, the town organized “Spot Santa” – a “drive-by” Santa event, that saw Santa Claus make his way along streets in both Bradford and Bond Head, as people came out of their homes and waved.
In Innisfil, where the annual Innisfil Santa Claus Parade is organized by the volunteer organization I.C.E. Corp., the decision has been made to hold a “Drive-Thru” Santa Claus Parade.
Instead of Santa making his way through the community, the 'parade' will be stationary, and residents will be invited to drive past the decorated and illuminated floats – including Santa’s workshop.
The Drive-Thru Santa Parade is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m., and there are plenty of regulations in place to ensure a healthy and safe event.
The floats will all be parked in the south parking lot at the Innisfil Recreation Complex. Residents will drive past – entering at the Innisfil Town Hall, 2101 Innisfil Beach Road, then following a one-way route past the South Simcoe Police North Division station, south and then west past the front of the Recreation Complex, then entering the south parking lot.
Exit will be to the south onto Yonge Street, driving past the InnPower offices.
The event is open to Innisfil residents only, and proof of residency – the green 2020 resident parking pass – will be required.
No walk-ins are allowed, and people are reminded not to exit their vehicles. There will be no washroom facilities available. Wait times in the line-up to view the floats are expected to be 30 minutes to one hour.
Only members of the same household should be in a vehicle together.
Residents are also being asked to complete a COVID-19 assessment before coming out, and if experiencing symptoms, to stay home and enjoy the “Parade” as it is live-streamed on Facebook.
Just a heads up: Motorists should expect delays on Innisfil Beach Road, during the hours of the 'parade.' Choosing an alternative route is recommended.
