Parade Co-ordinator Sydney Tobler
A Fort Macleod holiday tradition returns on Saturday, Nov. 26.
The Fort Macleod Santa Claus Parade is back after a two-year absence.
And while it’s a familiar tradition to kick off the Christmas season, a few surprises are in store.
“There’s going to be a wonderful surprise along with Santa,” parade co-ordinator Sydney Tobler promised in an interview Wednesday.
Tobler and the parade committee are tight-lipped about anything new as they don’t want to spoil the surprise for parade viewers.
The Fort Macleod Santa Claus Parade began in 1982 and ran every year until the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in Alberta.
Concerns about the parade becoming a super-spreader event forced organizers to cancel the parade in each of the past two years.
With pandemic restrictions lifted, organizers are pleased to be able to continue the parade tradition in 2022.
The theme is “Welcome to Macleodville,” a play on the village in The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.
“I think it’s really exciting,” said Tobler, who is encouraged by support for Taste of Fort Macleod in September with more than 500 people turning out.
“We’re really hoping that we can have that same enthusiasm,” Tobler said of people gathering to enjoy each other’s company. “That’s really what the Christmas spirit is all about, to come together.”
Several bands had confirmed their attendance at the Santa Claus Parade as of Wednesday.
The Calgary Stampede, Calgary Stetson and Calgary Round-Up bands are confirmed, as well as Bridge City Highlanders Pipe Band, and the Magrath and Cardston high school bands.
Also joining the parade are Disney princesses, Paw Parol characters, various mascots and Fort Macleod Fire Department.
Planning is also under way for the Midnight Madness late-night shopping promotion on Friday, Nov. 25.
Fort Macleod council will serve a free meal in the Main Street walkway and there will be carolling and lighting of the community Christmas tree at the west end of Main Street, among other activities.
The parade committee is already accepting entries and is also looking for sponsors to help cover costs, so anyone interested can contact Sydney Tobler at santaclausparade@fortmacleod.com.
“We are okay but we definitely need sponsors,” Tobler said of the parade’s finances.
Tobler and the parade committee had one more message to share last week.
“Please bring your family and friends,” Tobler said. “We want this to be great and wonderful.”
