Photo via Pradeep Rao

Santa Claus will return to the streets of downtown Kamloops on Sunday, Nov. 24 as the annual parade marks in 44th anniversary.

Organized by the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Association, Marketing and Events Coordinator Alex Eaket says this year’s theme is Holiday Movie Magic.

“So we encourage those who want to put in a float to use that theme and tap into their inner child or show your favourite movie and what that means to you though your float. And also just making your float look festive and lit up,” Eaket told Radio NL.

“It gets you feeling excited and thinking about the movies you’re going to watch and maybe the movies that will be playing in the background when you’re doing baking or getting ready for a party or something like that. We’re very excited about the theme, and we really tap into that nostalgic aspect of it.”

Eaket says people and businesses looking to march in the parade can begin to apply on Monday, Sept. 16, on a first come, first served basis.

“We are going to cap it between the 50 and 55 floats as well though it also depends on how big the floats we’re getting this year are,” Eaket said. “We find that between the 50 and 55 is the sweet spot so we’re able to keep close to that hour, hour and a half long event.”

Parade festivities will begin at 3:40 p.m. on November 24, while the parade itself getting underway around 4 p.m.

Eaket says if you can’t make it to the parade in person, it will be streamed live on the Downtown Kamloops Facebook and YouTube pages. It will also be screen at the Paramount Theatre downtown.