The Rotary Club of Saugeen Shores is bringing back more normal Santa Claus parades to Southampton and Port Elgin this year.
A notice from the Rotary Club says the parade in Port Elgin will be occurring at 7 p.m. on Nov. 27, while the one in Southampton is on Dec. 3.
While some of the details are still in the works, Rotary Club of Saugeen Shores President Pat O’Connor says they are excited to bring the two parades to the Saugeen Shores community.
“Our club is focused on servicing all communities of Saugeen Shores. Bringing holiday cheer and supporting our community at the same time is a great opportunity,” says O’Connor.
These parades are a follow up to the static events held in both communities in 2020, when residents would drive past the parade participants.
“This year, we are tackling Covid pretty well and the province has allowed more people to gather, so we decided since no other group was coming forward, the Rotary Club of Saugeen Shores would sponsor and host the parades in both communities on their respective traditional dates,” says O’Connor.
O’Connor says the parade route in Port Elgin will start at Market Street and follow Goderich Street to Ivings Drive, and end near the Giant Tiger.
In Southampton, the parade will marshal on Grey Street, where they will proceed to travel west on High Street and end past the town hall.
O’Connor says there are plans in the works to collect non-perishable foods, as well as hold a BBQ at both parades.
With plans to also have bands and Santa make an appearance, O’Connor says they hope to make a parade a great success.
“We hope to make a parade a greater success than what it has been in the past, keeping all of the traditions alive that we have had for the past number of years,” says O’Connor.
For those looking to participate in the parade, there will be an online registration form the club will share on their social media pages in the coming days.