Santa Claus is coming to town

This year's Santa Claus Parade, which takes place Saturday, Nov. 18 at 5:30 pm will again be a full day celebration, the biggest event in the city, organizers say.

"Last year we had about 30,000 taking part in the parade and other activities happening before and afterwards. Thousands volunteered with everything from security to the floats so this is the major event of the year," said organizer Maureen Luoma, executive director of Downtown Sudbury.

For the past seven years the Santa Claus Parade has been an evening event.

"Having it later in the day has worked better for us because that way we can use Market Square for opening our Christmas At The Market exhibition at 2 pm and we then have the use of Rainbow Centre after the parade for a Meet Santa event. All of that makes the day chock full of activities, so much so that I can guarantee your little ones will be very tired after it is all over," said Luoma.

This year's parade theme is Nursery Rhyme Christmas. The parade will take the same route as last year said parade chair Bob Fennell.

"As before we will marshall on Notre Dame Ave., proceed south to Elm St., come west across to Durham St. then down to Larch st., over to Minto and onto Elgin St. We got good reviews of this route last year so why change a good thing," said Fennell.

The Santa Claus Parade is so popular it continues to attract many float entries as well as sponsors.

The City of Greater Sudbury, Downtown Sudbury and Greater Sudbury Police Services help out with parade logistics such as street closures, security and planning the event said Fennell.

"With all that this day entails, from volunteers to sponsors to public participation, you have to say this truly is Greater Sudbury's premiere community event. And, with the weather getting colder I think everybody is getting primed for the Santa Claus Parade. This is your family's kick-off to the Christmas season. See you there," said Fennell.