File photo by Dave Dentinger, Blackburn NewsFile photo by Dave Dentinger, Blackburn News
Sarnia

Sarnia Santa Claus parade celebrates 'Christmas All Together'

Sarnia's traditional Santa Claus Parade is back following a two-year pause but it will not include any bands.

The 41st annual Sarnia Kinsmen Santa Claus Parade will be held on Saturday, beginning at 6 p.m.

Henry Korstange said there will be about 40 parade participants.

"Unfortunately this year, we're not able to get any bands," he said. "By the time they got the approvals to come across, it was too late … With the Canadian bands, which we've tried to get in the past -- half of them don't exist anymore. Almost all of them have been booked for years and that's why we've always used American bands."

Before the parade starts, Korstange said the boy scouts will be collecting donations, which will be split between different area food banks.

"There will also be bins placed on the streets, at the major intersections. People can drop off [non-perishable food items] from about 12 p.m. to the end of the parade."

Floats will meet at the Sarnia Golf and Curling Club. The parade route will travel down Christina Street from the corner of Christina and Exmouth streets to Wellington Street.

This year's theme is “Christmas All Together.”

Korstange said they're happy to return to this style of parade after the past two Santa Claus parades were held drive-thru style at Lambton College due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Northbound Christina Street at Exmouth Street and Christina Street between Michigan Avenue and Errol Road will be closed from 2:30 p.m. until about 7 p.m. Saturday.

The 402 westbound ramp will remain open, with traffic routed north to Errol Road.

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