THUNDER BAY – Organizers of this year’s Santa Claus Parade are hoping participants will go with a Dr. Seuss theme on Nov. 18.
Volker Kromm says they try to come up with something new every year and using the classic tale How the Grinch Stole Christmas seemed like a pretty cool inspiration for float-makers to help them start preparations for the popular event.
“The Grinch’s famous line is ‘Christmas is more than just shopping, Christmas is a little bit more,’” Kromm said.
“So we’re trying to do that, with a Whoville theme. Thunder Bay is our Whoville.”
It’s not mandatory, however, just a suggestion, Kromm said.
New themes help keep the parade fresh, although after decades of operation the event is still just as popular as ever.
“They keep coming and lining up. Maybe it has something to do with the pageantry, but also the candies that are given out and some of the excitement that heralds it in. They know Christmas is coming,” Kromm said.
The city’s Rotary Clubs are the main sponsors of the parade each year and Lakehead Rotary Club president Wayne Robinson said it’s the magic of the holiday season that makes the parade so special.
“People love Christmas and they still believe in Santa Claus,” Robinson said.
Kromm said they’re hoping to surpass last year’s float total, adding that numbers were down slightly because of the snow that hampered parade efforts.
The goal is about 70 floats he said, adding there is still plenty of room for more entries.
Registering is fairly simple, he said.
“You go to the Fort William Rotary website and it allows you to download registration forms and gives you some of the dos and don’ts of the parade. It’s fairly easy to do and when in doubt there’s a phone number there – and it happens to ring at my house,” Kromm said.
Once again the parade will begin at the Real Canadian Superstore and wind its way up Memorial Avenue to the Community Auditorium.
The festivities are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m.
“Come early to get a good spot to watch,” Kromm said.
