Written By Jan Sims
MIDDLESEX CENTRE - It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, with Santa Claus parades taking place throughout the region in the coming weeks.
The Poplar Hill & District Lions Club Santa Parade kicked things off Saturday November 16th, with its annual parade. This is the 19th year for the parade which winds its way through Poplar Hill and Coldstream. “The parade starts promptly at 6:30. It makes its way down Ilderton Road to Poplar hill Road where we turn left following Poplar hill Road in front of the park. The floats then enter the park off of Barclay Street and display their entries while everyone enjoys free hotdogs and hot chocolate in the park. Children can visit Santa in the log cabin and the Lions club provide free pictures,” says organizer Vicki Zavitz.
The parade is a popular event, attracting between 400 to 500 people in a typical year. “Our parade is early in the season and typically we have good weather. Logistically it’s easy for people to park and enjoy the parade without having to walk long distances. The parade is a great way to kick off the Christmas season,” says Zavitz.
Each year there are upwards of 20 floats in the parade. The only requirement is there has to be Christmas lights on the float. “We have a number of floats that have music. We usually have one marching band and several floats with their own music. We have dance groups, church groups, and we also name a Parade Ambassador(s) every year who are typically long-time residents of the area. This year our Parade Ambassador is Mary Bazley,” says Zavitz.
Planning for the parade begins in August, with the Lions and other volunteers at the helm. “It’s great outreach and our community seem to really enjoy it, while we meet our mandate by serving our community,” enthuses Zavitz.
