The Kiwanis Club of Owen Sound is proud to once more sponsor, plan and stage the upcoming Owen Sound Santa Claus Parade. This is the 74th consecutive year the Club has presented one of the holiday season’s signature events.

“We work hard all year to help make our community a better place for children and families,” said Kiwanian Andrew Drury. “But this event doesn’t seem like as much work when our members and volunteers help make certain that Santa Claus feels welcome in Owen Sound!”

The them for this year’s parade is “It’s A Musical Christmas” and with over 60% of the 2018 parade participants returning and new registrants signing on, the Kiwanis hope it will bigger than last year.

“One of the best gifts we receive as organizers of the parade is the return of so many people year-over-year,” said Club President Michelle Kobryn.  “And it’s still not too late to register.  Maybe this is the year your company starts a new annual tradition?  Not only do participants help celebrate the season, have a ton of fun and get to see so many smiles, they can also win prizes!”

Anyone interested in registering for the 2019 parade can contact Tim Brown at [email protected]  or Andrew Drury at [email protected], as soon as possible.

In addition to prizes for participants and floats, the Owen Sound Kiwanis are also having a Santa Claus Parade Photo Contest for spectators! People are encouraged to post their best parade photos online, share them with the Kiwanis at www.fb.com/owensoundsantaparade/ and get family and friends to like and share! The top three liked and shared photos will receive a gift certificate that can be used at any Downtown Merchant (1st Prize $75, 2nd Prize $50, 3rd Prize $25). Photos from past Owen Sound Parades will also qualify, so get started today! The contest runs until December 14th, 2019 at 12 noon.  

Children are invited to bring letters for Santa, and there will be live music and face painting throughout the route. Santa will also visit City Hall 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.  

The parade takes place on Saturday, November 16th at 10am in Downtown Owen Sound. It 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.