Holiday films conjure memories of cozy winter nights spent with family and friends.
Since Christmas Movies is the theme of this year's Santa Claus parade in Innisfil, community members are encouraged to see if their favourites made the cut when they enjoy the event, which begins at 1:30 p.m. on Sun., Nov. 24. It is proudly hosted by the volunteer-led organization, Innisfil Community Events (ICE).
"They’re such a big part of the holiday season for so many people,” ICE president Chris Reynolds Jr. said of the theme. “Classic films like Home Alone, Elf, and The Grinch bring back memories of cozy nights, laughter, and time spent with family. We wanted to bring that same warmth and nostalgia to the parade, so each float will feature a holiday movie favourite. We hope that this theme will make the parade extra fun and relatable, sparking memories for the adults and creating new ones for the kids.”
The parade route starts at Innisfil Beach Park; it will travel west on Innisfil Beach Road and conclude at Jans Boulevard. The route will be closed to vehicular traffic in preparation for the parade at 1 pm. The parade will proceed regardless of the weather.
“The Innisfil Santa Claus parade is one of ICE's favourite events to put on. Watching all the families and friends come together to enjoy the day is special to all the volunteers,” Reynolds Jr. said. “There is something special (about) watching all the kids' faces light up as Santa comes down the road. There was something unforgettable about the music, and just being there with family and friends — it felt like the start of the holiday season.”
If you and your loved ones prefer a quieter environment, note that a sensory/quiet zone will be in place from the Innisfil Beach Park exit to the fire station at 780 Innisfil Beach Rd.
More than 35 floats are expected to make their way along the parade route before Santa Claus makes his appearance at the end of the parade. ICE volunteers will award the best float with $100 to be donated to a charity of their choice.
“It’s always a tough decision because each group puts so much creativity and effort into their float,” Reynolds Jr. said.
The last day to register to participate in the parade is Nov. 20.
Community for Kids (C4K) and Miss Jennie’s Performing Arts Studio (MJPAS) look forward to getting into the spirit of the season when they showcase their creations on Sunday.
“Keeping our charity program in mind — we believe in the Magic of Christmas — we chose a scene from the very end of The Grinch movie, where the Grinch and (his) faithful dog Max are on top of the mountain with the sleigh of stolen Christmas," C4K vice president Debra Harrison said. "Hearing the Whoville people singing, the Grinch’s heart begins to grow three times larger.”
“We begin to work on our float in October, as soon as we are told what the theme is for the parade. Bev (Kell) and I look forward to ... this challenge every year,” she said.
This will be the 10th year that C4K has participated in the parade. They have been awarded best float three times over the years.
“We enjoy participating in the event because we love to be creative with our float and when the parade begins we see how much joy it brings to everyone,” Harrison said. “It doesn’t matter what the weather is, every year hundreds of the town residents shows up. Everyone is smiling and waving hello, saying Happy Holiday(s and) Merry Christmas.”
“Children, jumping up and down when they see something they like and people singing to the music. Happy faces everywhere really helps set the mood for the holiday season,” she said.
MJPAS hopes to have between 100 and 150 dancers participating in the parade this year.
Co-owners Kate Badger and Jennie Chapman told InnisfilToday that they pay homage to their business’s anniversary when creating their annual float. It’s their 17th year in Innisfil, so their float was inspired by Mamma Mia, as seventeen is mentioned in Abba’s Dancing Queen, which is prominently featured in the film.
“This is year 17 in the Innisfil Santa Claus parade,” Badger said. “We have always loved being a part of spreading Christmas cheer and kicking off the holiday season for the community.”
“The parade has become a favourite event for dancers who get to ride the float to see friends and family along the route,” Chapman said. “We hope for a nice day so that everyone can get out to enjoy the excitement of the season.”
They have appreciation for Bev and Dan Phillips, who donate the use of their truck via their company, Zander Sod, each year.
Sponsors of the parade include Electrical Elite, Alcona Waterproofing, Spring Tree Farm Corporation, Ace Web Services, Mattamy Homes, San Diego Homes, K. Winters Sanitation, Sandy Cove Marine, Cooper Equipment Rentals, Horodynsky Farms, and 400 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.
“And special thanks to South Simcoe Police Association, Innisfil Fire and Rescue Services, and the Town of Innisfil,” Reynolds Jr. said.
“(It) is one of those events that brings the community together, and there's just something special about experiencing it in person,” he said. “Whether you're coming with family or meeting up with friends, it's a great way to kick off the holiday season. Plus, it’s a chance to support our local businesses, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and make some memories.
“Come join us and let’s make it a great start to the holidays.”
For more on the parade, visit icecorp.org.
