Santa Claus is coming to Bonnyville on Sunday

COVID-19 couldn’t even stop Santa Claus from making an early stop in Bonnyville this weekend.

With some communication with Santa’s cohorts at the North Pole, the Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce has secured an appearance from jolly Saint Nick on Sunday.

The Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority have made arrangements for Santa’s sleigh, as he’ll ride on a firetruck and drive through town, wishing Merry Christmas to residents at their homes.

“We’ve seen that parades are cancelled. Everything was done. I don’t know, it just didn’t sit well with me,” said Chamber executive director Serina Parsons.

“We still need to get Santa Claus to Bonnyville so the kids can see him. And we partnered with the Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority to, of course, ensure Santa’s safety and to make sure together we can bring Santa to the communities of Bonnyville.”

Santa Claus’ route on Sunday. Image: Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce.

Santa will kick off at noon on Sunday and travel to Emerald Estates subdivision first. Then, Santa will travel to the pink section on the map, then the Lakeshore Drive area coloured lime green.

Afterwards, he’ll go to the blue section west of 46th Street, the yellow section north of 50th Avenue, and then the Kinsmen Trailer Park highlighted in red.

Santa will then move west to subdivisions around Moose Lake.

• 1st is Lakeside Village
• 2nd Sunset Beach
• 3rd North Shore Heights
• 4th Vezeau Beach
• 5th Moose Lake Meadows
• 6th Turcotte Subdivision
• 7th Willow Ridge
• 8th Hillside Estates
• 9th Elk Haven
• 10th Birch Grove
• 11th Chateau Estates
• 12th Model Development
• 13th Fontaine Subdivision
• 14th Sunset View
• 15th Drouin Subdivision

Parsons said they are going to their best to visit every neighbourhood while also following the stringent health measures in place by the province.

“That day, we are encouraging people, please do not see this as an opportunity to get together with other people and say, I’m going to come to your place and watch the parade. It’s imperative. Santa has a very busy time coming up, so he can’t isolate,” she said.

“Please stay on your own properties.”

Bonnyville’s reverse parade idea scheduled for Dec. 4 was cancelled in light of max outdoor gatherings being capped at 10 people.