Council approves “reverse” Santa Claus parade–unclear if health restrictions will have impact

The day before the provincial government announced additional health restrictions, Bonnyville town council decided the fate of the annual Santa Claus parade.

Council voted to have a stationary, reverse parade where Christmas decorated floats would be set up at the Centennial Centre beforehand and residents drive by the attractions.

It is unclear as of press time if Wednesday’s announcement that areas deemed “enhanced” on the AHS COVID status map will impact the parade.

Mayor Gene Sobolewski said on The Morning After by choosing this do this style, they want to minimize the risk.

“We just don’t want to risk. We want to see the lights and sounds, but we want to just make sure we all stay safe,” he said.

Council discussed the parade for 45 minutes at a special council meeting November 5, debating options of doing a traditional parade versus the model they eventually voted for.

Town staff prepared a list of the related information about hosting events like a parade and the liabilities involved.

CAO Bill Rogers said during the meeting that the logistics around a stationary parade are tough, but the town believes they can pull of the event.

The event participants will begin set-up at the C2 around 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 4.

Residents can start looking at the floats an hour later from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. It is expected that other ammenities like hot chocolate and candy canes afterward will be cancelled.

Lakeland Connect will follow up on the event status with Town administration after the announcement of added health measures from the province.