With over 100 floats and a special surprise, the Santa Claus Parade is a sure sign that the Christmas season is quickly approaching

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by Paul Merrigan
This Week Staff

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In what has become as much a part of Christmas as Santa, carols and snow, the tri-community area is getting ready to present the 41st Majesta Greater Moncton Santa Claus Parade on Nov. 29 beginning at 6 p.m.

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This year's edition promises to be bigger and better than ever, with over 100 expected floats and groups participating to be watched and cheered on by thousands of spectators lining the downtown streets all in anticipation of the main elf himself, Santa.

"It's completely volunteer run," explains Sandy Cameron, a member of the organizing committee. "It's a true tri-community effort between Moncton, Riverview and Dieppe. Citizens and councillors from all three communities are on the board. The committee that organizes the event, sometimes has 15 people, sometimes has 25 - it all depends."

This year's theme will be sure to please the crowd's eyes and ears, as the usual visual spectacle will be boosted by a likely larger than ordinary musical accompaniment.

"The theme (Festival of Lights - The Sounds of Christmas) came to us after we felt that last year was lacking a little bit in terms of music on a lot of the floats," explains Sandy. "We expect a lot of music this year, which is great for this time of year."

For the second consecutive year, the parade has benefited from having a major sponsor, as Majesta has continued its support of the event, something which has made life a lot easier for organizers.

"Having a major sponsor has been great, especially for the fund-raisers," says Sandy. "When Majesta came on board it alleviated a great deal of time and work, which can now be devoted to the parade itself. We do get some funding from the three communities, but the rest is raised from the business community."

As with previous years, the organizers are very excited about the big day, and are working hard to ensure things run smoothly. Even experienced parade watchers can expect a surprise or two this year.

"At this year's parade we have a little surprise that we're all looking forward to which will be just before the Santa float itself," Sandy enthuses. "It will be a new float entry, which will hopefully be a permanent fixture in the future.

"We're excited about it and it's something that kids and adults alike will enjoy, but I can't say anything else. You'll just have to come out and see it."

One concern that the organizers face every year is when people aren't familiar enough with the route and try to see the parade on streets that the parade actually doesn't pass or in a spot where Santa isn't on his float.

"The parade does not start on Vaughn Harvey," stresses Sandy. "The parade starts at the corner of Cameron and Main Street and it ends at corner of Paul and Champlain. Every year people line up on Vaughn Harvey Boulevard to see Santa, but they end up being disappointed because Santa is not on his float until Cameron and Main."

For first time parade goers, Sandy, who has attended the parade since it's first year, has some useful tips.

"Make sure you dress warmly," starts Sandy. "It can get cold outside, especially if you're standing in one place for the entire parade."

Another point that the committee is stressing to all spectators is to be conscientious about leaving trash behind from snacks, coffee and the like.

"We're trying to be as 'green' as we can be," says Sandy. "Take a garbage bag with you so that any trash you have there you can take home afterwards rather than having it on the streets or sidewalks."

Of course, like most parades, the crowds can be quite intimidating, especially if you have small kids, but there are places that may offer a better view than the more packed areas.

"The parade route is very long, and at the beginning of the parade it gets very congested, because a lot of people are there trying to watch," explains Sandy. "There's a lot of space between King Street and Champlain Place where there aren't very many people, so it's a good spot to view the parade without a large crowd."

Finally, with so many thousands of people swarming into the downtown area to get a view of jolly old Saint Nick, parking can also be an issue, but less so for those who are well prepared.

"The parade starts at 6, so you need to be sure to get to your spot in time to see what you want," says Sandy. "There is a lot of parking around, such as at Highfield Square and the new Sobeys, although that might be pretty full. The city parking will all be available as well. It's better to get there a little early, just to be sure."

For more information about the parade, including the entire route and contact information for sponsors, you can visit the parade website at www.parademoncton.ca.