The Fort Macleod Santa Claus Parade committee received a $1,000 donation last week from the MAE Belles Club. From left: Niesje Vanden Dool, Peggy Donahue and Flory Fraser of the MAE Belles and Sydney Tobler and Lisa Gillingham of the Santa Claus Parade committee.
The committee organizing the 40th Fort Macleod Santa Claus Parade hopes Christmas comes a little early this year.
With the parade just 2 1/2 weeks away, the committee is facing a $20,000 shortfall on its $50,000 budget.
“Donations are low this year,” Santa Claus Parade co-ordinator Sydney Tobler said. “We understand that’s just from inflation and cost of living.”
Tobler said some businesses have cut back on the amount they donate due to economic pressures.
“We’re not upset with that at all,” Tobler said. “We’re very grateful for what we’ve been given.”
The Fort Macleod Santa Claus Parade is funded solely by sponsorship and donations.
The committee at its meeting Thursday discussed ways to cut costs if more donations are not forthcoming.
The committee’s main costs are associated with travel by the popular bands to Fort Macleod.
The bands this year include the Calgary Stampede Show Band, the Calgary Round-Up Band, the Chestermere and Highwood high school bands, the Cardston Marching Band, Lethbridge Highlanders Pipes and Drums, and the Sound of the Rockies Band.
Fort Macleod is planning an expanded weekend of activities surrounding the Santa Claus Parade.
The festivities start Friday, Nov. 24 with the Moonlight Madness late-night shopping promotion organized by the Chamber of Commerce.
There will be sleigh rides, free public skating at the arena, fire pits, a petting zoo, face-painting at the library, a free movie at the Empress Theatre, free hot chocolate, and Allied Arts giant craft sale at the community hall.
The lighting of the community Christmas tree, followed by a new light show, will happen at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24 at the west end of Main Street.
Saturday, Nov. 25 kicks off with the F.P. Walshe school grad class serving a pancake breakfast from 8-10 a.m. in the parking lot at the corner of Main Street and Third Avenue, next to The Macleod Gazette.
The parade, which this year has the theme “40 Years of Christmas” gets under way at 11 a.m. Nov. 25.
Following the parade people can get a free 4×6-inch photo with Santa at the Fort Museum.
FCSS will also be at the Fort Museum to help children decorate Christmas cookies.
Main Street will remain closed until 2 p.m. between Second and Third avenues so people can enjoy sleigh rides.
Garth McCrady and Friends will provide music on Main Street from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 25.
FCSS will be on Main Street to facilitate games and sleigh or wagon races for children.
Izzy the Buffalo and her rider, as well as the reindeer that lead Santa’s sleigh in the parade, will remain to meet with people.
Face-painting will take place Nov. 25 at Fort Macleod Library.
There will be a free screening of the Christmas movie Polar Express at 2 p.m. at the Empress Theatre.
The Rotary Club of Fort Macleod will hold its annual fund-raising auction at a new location this year, the G.R. Davis Administration Building. The auction starts at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 25.
The weekend wraps up with a family dance at 7 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Tobler said the Chamber of Commerce made the right decision in 1982 to act on the Santa Claus Parade suggestion from Main Street Program co-ordinator Jim Mountain.
“I think their vision was for economic development, bringing people into Fort Macleod,” Tobler said. “They should be proud of what the parade has become for Fort Macleod.”
Community is the key to the parade’s longevity.
“People love events and children love parades,” Tobler said. “I think the community that we live in is why it has lasted. Fort Macleod is an incredible community and people love tradition.”
Thirty-two entries have already been received for participation in the parade.
“I think registration is looking much better than last year,” Tobler said.
Donations in support of the parade will be accepted at the Town of Fort Macleod office in the G.R. Davis Administration Building, by Sydney Tobler and committee members, or on the Chamber of Commerce Web site.
Committee members are Emily McTighe, Helma Hart, Eileen Moses, Jody Gillingham, Ashley Nelson, Neisa Baker, Liisa Gillingham, Joella Bevan and Brandy Sharma.
The weather forecast at present is favourable for the Santa Claus Parade and other activities, with a high of eight celsius predicted.
“Ultimately we want the community come out and have fun and enjoy the festivities afterwards,” Tobler said. “We want them to stay out with their families and enjoy the day.”
