The Kiwanis Club of Owen Sound is proud once more to sponsor, plan and stage the upcoming Owen Sound Santa Claus Parade. This is the 73rd consecutive year of Club’s commitment to making the community a better place for children (of all ages!) and producing one of the holiday season’s signature events.

“The Santa Claus Parade is an event that is important to every Kiwanian,” said club president Michelle Kobryn. “It is one of the best times for our members to see the difference we are making for families in our city and to celebrate the hard work we put in to running the parade. When we see those first smiles, we know it was all worth it.”

The Kiwanis Club began sponsoring the Owen Sound Santa Claus Parade in 1945, and has never looked back. This year’s parade is on Saturday, November 17th and will transform the city’s downtown in to a festive celebration of the holidays with bands, floats and activities for families to enjoy. The theme for the parade this year is Winter Sports.

“It is an incredible responsibility, but also incredibly rewarding for our club to continue putting on the Santa Claus Parade,” said Kiwanis Parade Chair Andrew Drury. “For over 70 years, our members have made certain that Santa Claus feels welcome in Owen Sound. Hopefully it makes it easier for him to find all the children on Christmas Eve!”

In addition to the parade itself, children are invited to bring letters for Santa, and there will be live music and face painting throughout the route. Santa will also visit the Downtown Improvement Area office following the parade for photos, treats and of course to complete his Christmas wish lists for kids.

Families are encouraged to show their Christmas spirit by bringing donations of canned or dry goods for the local Food Bank. Volunteers will collect food donations along the parade route.

“We really want this parade to become a gift where we all give what we can for the benefit of each other,” concluded Kobryn. “This event is one that we share with everyone, and we’ll be back next year to do the same!”

Parade Details:

Date: Saturday, November 17th
Time: 10am
Location: Downtown Owen Sound
Route: Begins near the intersection of 11th Street East & 2nd Avenue East (Metro Grocery Store), travels south toward City Hall and turns east (left) at the intersection of 8th Street East and 2nd Avenue East, ending at 3rd Avenue East.

For more detail visit www.owensoundsantaparade.com.

Families are also reminded that the Owen Sound Kiwanis Club will be selling Christmas Trees again this year. Beginning November 24th, you can purchase a Fraser Fir ($60), Balsam Fir ($50) or Scotch Pine ($40) at the Royal Lepage parking lot in Owen Sound (900 10th Street West) – while supplies last! Proceeds from the sales of trees will support the activities and community contributions by the Kiwanis Club.

source: media release, Kiwanis Club of Owen Sound