A local Christmas tradition is set to once again light up city streets on Dec. 3.
The 13th Annual Thunder Bay Police Association Parade of Lights is set to start at 7 p.m. from the Manitoulin Transport yard on Main Street then turn northbound on Memorial Avenue. It will follow Memorial and turn right onto Fort William Road and end on Water Street.
Excited for this year’s event is seven-year-old parade marshal Camden Crupi.
“I’m looking forward to riding in the police car the most,” he said at the launch of this year’s fundraising campaign at the Balmoral Street police station Monday afternoon.
The Parade of Lights features trucks of all sizes, from large transports to small pickups, decorated in Christmas lights and decorations.
Thunder Bay Police Association president and event chair Greg Stephenson said the event is all about the children.
“Our focus is on children with special needs,” he said. “This gives us a chance to give back to them.”
The goal for this year is $20,000 with the proceeds going to the local chapter of Autism Ontario, the George Jeffrey Children’s Centre, Special Olympics Ontario and the Thunder Bay Therapeutic Riding Association.
While the event raises money and awareness for the charities, Stephen said the parade has also provides an evening of fun.
“It’s become an annual tradition,” he said. “We get lots of responses from the trucks that are in it. They do a lot of work.”
People can bring donations to the parade to be collected by walkers, or visit the website for other options.
