Float registration has opened for 100 Mile House's 2024 Santa Claus Parade.
This year, the annual parade will be held on Saturday, Nov. 23, and is once again being organized by the South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce. Donna Barnett, the parade's volunteer coordinator, said the theme of this year's parade is Goldrush Christmas. The theme is meant to harken back to what Barnett describes as the "good old days" of the gold rush.
"People can decorate up if they wish - in the Gold Rush theme, or decorate any way they wish. It's entirely up to them," Barnett explained.
As in previous years, prizes will be given out to the floats with the best music, the best theme, the best lighting and other awards, along with prizes given out to the best-decorated store on Birch Avenue.
Those interested in participating as a float in the parade must register for the event in advance. Barnett says that forms can be picked up from the offices of the 100 Mile Free Press, the District of 100 Mile House and the South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce. The registration deadline is Nov. 15, a week before the event.
Barnett feels that hosting the parade again is "fabulous" for the community.
"We're just fortunate we can do it."
Like last year the Santa Claus Parade is not the only Santa Claus-themed event on that Saturday. Barnett said that they will be hosting a Santa Claus Breakfast at the Red Rock Grill from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. after Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus land at the 100 Mile House Airport. Santa Claus will also likely be making more appearances in town but the details of these events are still being finalized, Barnett said.
As in previous years the parade will begin behind Save-On-Foods and proceed down Birch Avenue, turning onto Cedar Avenue and ending at the 100 Mile District General Hospital in time for Starry Nights' Light Up. The parade begins at 4:30 p.m. with members of the public encouraged to be in town by 3 p.m. as no parking will be allowed on Birch Avenue.
"We don't want cars parked on the street because you want to ensure that there's visibility so no little ones can hide between cars and our biggest fear is that some little one will run out," Barnett said, which is also a reason they are asking people not to throw candy.
Anyone wanting further information on the parade can contact the South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce at 250-395-6124 or manager@southcariboochamber.org.
