Maria Sullivan, shown with her dog Lucky, is the new co-ordinator of the Fort Macleod Santa Claus Parade.
Christmas came early for Maria Sullivan when she was hired as the new Fort Macleod Santa Claus Parade co-ordinator.
Sullivan brings extensive training and experience in event planning to the role she takes over from Ashley Nelson.
“This role just jumped off the paper when I saw the posting for the co-ordinator position,” Sullivan said in an interview. “The ability to create a meaningful experience with bringing community members together to start the holiday season put a big smile on my face.”
“I love event planning. Every detail, working with a great committee and being a part of a community from taking a vision and delivering it to the spectators makes me happy. I also love that thousands of people come to Fort Macleod and it helps support local businesses as well.”
Sullivan was raised in Vancouver and has called southern Alberta home for more than 20 years, and with her husband has had a permanent site at the Daisy May campground in Fort Macleod since 2021.
Sullivan earned a diploma in business administration and marketing management from the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), with a focus on tourism and event planning.
Sullivan owned and operated a vintage clothing boutique in Vancouver and moved into international wholesaling for six years before closing her business to get into the entertainment industry.
That move led to Sullivan managing and booking tribute acts based on legendary performers such as Elvis, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Rod Stewart, Garth Brooks and more.
That work had Sullivan on the road across British Columbia and Alberta.
“As I started travelling for work, I fell in love with southern Alberta, and it was an easy decision to move, and I am grateful to this day,” Sullivan said. “I have embraced the community of Fort Macleod.”
After settling in southern Alberta, Sullivan worked as a manager in events and catering in the hotel business. Sullivan belonged to the Shaughnessy Community Hall Association board of directors, helping organize events and fund-raisers.
Now Sullivan is applying her skills and experience to Santa Claus Parade co-ordinator.
“I believe my strong organization and communication skills are my key attributes to a successful event,” Sullivan said. “Being able to deal with situations under pressure and managing time effectively are important in this role. Being able to adapt to any issue or change in logistics and being able to execute the event plan with a team of dedicated committee members and volunteers is my goal.”
In her first weeks as parade co-ordinator, Sullivan has been finalizing the registration package to promote the 2025 theme “Home Alone Christmas” to sponsors and participants.
Sullivan has sent requests for corporate sponsorships to companies that require advance notice and has received a positive response. The packages will be sent to community members as in previous years.
In co-operation with Crazy Stitch, Sullivan has set up an on-line store where people can buy such Santa Claus Parade merchandise as blankets, tote bags, stickers, T-shirts and hoodies. Links will be at www.facebook.com/FortMacleodSantaClausParade/.
“We are a not-for-profit and rely on our donors and sponsors and with the uncertainty in the economy it may be difficult for some parade donors to help as they have in the past,” Sullivan said of challenges facing the parade. “We also accept donations on parade day from spectators and since people have moved away from carrying money, we need to consider other methods if people would like to donate.”
Sullivan encouraged Fort Macleod and district to participate in the parade, become a sponsor or donor, be a spectator and invite others to watch, and support the fund-raising initiatives.
Sullivan is excited to help Fort Macleod keep the Santa Claus Parade tradition strong in 2025, recognizing the strong community commitment of committee members, volunteers, donors and participants to make the event the largest of its size west of Toronto.
“Just ask my family and friends — I am very excited to be a part of this tradition. I will put my best foot forward to ensure I continue to deliver the magic of this Santa Claus Parade like previous years.”
Maria Sullivan can be reached at 403-715-2125 or santaclausparade@fortmacleod.com.
Maria Sullivan, shown with her dog Lucky, is the new co-ordinator of the Fort Macleod Santa Claus Parade.
