The sleigh is booked for its Christmas overhaul, so Santa and Mrs. Claus will be flying commercial when they visit 100 Mile House on Nov. 18.
The South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce and the man in red have a full day of Christmas fun planned for the area children.
“This is something for our children to enjoy, for the family to get out and have a great time and enjoy the parade. Enjoy Santa Claus. Just have a great day in town. Show everybody what a great community this is,” said Donna Barnett, president of the South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce.
The day gets underway with Breakfast with Santa at the Red Rock Grill from 9-11 a.m. Ten dollars will purchase a plate of waffles and bacon to help fuel the kids for the day’s activities. There will be a drink for the kids while mom and dad wash down their waffles with a cup of coffee or tea.
“And Santa Claus will have his bag of candy,” said Barnett.
Miles Theoret, part-owner and kitchen manager of the Red Rock Grill, said that if someone wants to make a reservation it would probably be beneficial to them.
“I have no idea how busy it’s going to be,” he said. “In past years it has been a super popular event. It is probably best to reserve and make sure you get to spend some time with Santa.”
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After breakfast, Santa will be making a stop at FreshCo to take photos with the kids. Anyone who wants to stop and say hi to Santa is welcome to come by between noon and 2 p.m. FreshCo is supplying Santa with candy to hand out to the children.
Barnett said when they leave Santa is going to Big Country Lanes for a game of bowling for an hour. After bowling, they will be heading downtown so Mrs. Claus can check out the shops.
“The local businesses are putting on specials for the day, so besides meeting Santa throughout the day we’re hoping that people will start their Christmas shopping on November 18,” said chamber vice-president Martina Dopf.
Some people say it’s a little early to be holding the festivities but a lot of people like to get their Christmas photos taken early and send them out in cards to friends and family who don’t live in the area, added Barnett.
At 3 p.m. Birch Avenue will be closed from First to Fifth Avenue for the parade so motorists are asked to make sure they clear the street by that time. The public works department will also be putting barricades blocking access to Birch Avenue along the route. The parade will get underway at 4 p.m.
During the parade, spectators are asked to stay on the sidewalk and not step into the street or walk in front of floats. To further help minimize any accidents happening, people with floats are asked not to throw candy to the crowd but to have someone walk alongside and hand it out.
The parade last year was bigger and better than ever. With 50 registered floats and hundreds of spectators, community spirit was seen throughout the downtown core. Not even the cold weather deterred those who came out to watch the parade and cheer on the participants dressed up as their favourite superheroes.
“Our theme this year is Hawaiian Christmas,” said Dopf. “So we’re hoping that the floats will be decorated accordingly and people have fun with that theme and I’d also like to see businesses decorate it for Hawaiian theme.”
Barnett pointed out that it is not a requirement to follow the theme. As long as the decorations are cheerful and Christmassy, people can always come up with their own themes for the parade. Ribbons will be awarded for best music, best theme, best-lit float and best decorated store.
The deadline for registration is Nov. 10. Forms can be picked up at the simplymastery or are available at the chamber office or can be downloaded from their website.
Following the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus will head to the 100 Mile District General Hospital for the lighting of the South Cariboo Health Foundation Starry Night Campaign at 5:30 p.m.
