(File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Nolan Kowal

Christmas Kick Off

‘It’s actually a very magical moment’: P.A. preparing for Santa Claus Parade

Nov 24, 2023 | 12:00 PM

The weather forecast is cooperating for this year’s Santa Claus Parade in Prince Albert.

The annual parade is scheduled for Saturday, and Environment Canada is forecasting a high of minus 1.

“Most of my events are weather dependent, so it’s always a fingers crossed kind of scenario, but I’m really looking forward to rounding the corner on Central Avenue and just seeing the joy on those children’s faces when they see Santa Claus and the rest of the participants in our parade,” said Rhonda Trusty, the executive director of the Prince Albert Downtown Business Improvement District.

The parade will start at 11 a.m. with participants lining up along 9th Street, 1st Avenue, and River Street. The paraders will head south on Central Avenue in the opposite direction of regular traffic. There will be a couple of groups singing Christmas carols, including the Calvary United Church and the Prince Albert Children’s Choir. There will also be hot chocolate handed out along the route.

(Prince Albert Downtown/Facebook)

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“It’s a kick-off for the Christmas season,” said Trusty. “It’s an opportunity for the families to get together for a downtown event and it’s just an opportunity for us to get together as a community as a whole.”

“I have tried to add these different elements of hot chocolate and the carolling because I do feel that it adds to the sense of community and the sense of just being together, and that is truly what Christmas is all about,” she continued.

The parade is expected to last around 30-40 minutes with traffic being shut down in the area.

“I believe we had around seven to eight thousand people last year, so with the weather being so mild I’m hoping for a good turnout again this year,” Trusty said.

“It’s actually a very magical moment.”

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nolan.kowal@pattisonmedia.com