The Santa Claus Parade in Kamloops will be held a week earlier this year to avoid clashing with the Grey Cup.
Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association (KCBIA) Executive Director Carl DeSantis says the parade will make its way through Downtown Kamloops on Sunday, November 17, starting at 4 p.m., instead of the usual 11 a.m. start on a Saturday.
“We want to respect all of the football fans out there and given then time to stay at home and celebrate Grey Cup the following week,” he said. “So we are not going to cause any family chaos. We are going to make sure that everybody has an opportunity to come down and watch the parade.”
The parade will start at 2nd Ave & St. Paul Street and make it’s way through Downtown Kamloops ending at 6th Avenue. Instead of the traditional “wake-up call” to Santa, kids will “welcome” him at 3:15 p.m.
“A lot of this is based on feedback we’ve received from our community and our business community,” DeSantis added. “The parade has been a success every year so why not change it and find another way to celebrate the festive season and that’s what we are hoping to achieve.”
The theme for this year is ‘Power of Community’ and Thompson Rivers University is returning as title sponsors once again. Following the parade, there will be the lightning of the tree at St. Andrews on the Square at 6:15 p.m.
“[I’m looking forward to the parade] capturing the magic of the evening parade with all of the lights on our floats,” said DeSantis. “It’s just going to be truly magical, creating magical memories for the kids, for parents, for families.”
And as for whether the change is a one time thing or not, DeSantis says they’re open to feedback after this year’s parade which is when decisions will be made on the 2020 event.
“If I’m a betting man, this will be a incredible experience for everyone and a welcome change to the parade, just because it will be so magical.”
Applications to be in the parade opened up today, and you can apply here.