SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. - The Santa Claus Parade will return to the streets of Summerside again this year on Nov 23.
Starting at Heather Moyse Drive outside the Holland College waterfront campus, floats will proceed to Credit Union Place. The procession gets underway at 6:30 p.m.
Lydia Potter, the new executive director for Downtown Summerside, said as far as the parade route and procedures go, nothing is changing from other years.
Potter is new to the task of organizing Summerside’s annual parade, but is getting help from veteran parade volunteer Larissa Harris.
“Robert from Michael’s Pizzeria is going to be there to help organize the floats as they leave the Holland College parking lot,” said Potter.
“It’s really exciting when we see these local business owners that are in the downtown core but they’re not just operating their businesses there, they’re also taking their time to contribute and give back to their communities.”
One new addition to the parade this year will be a food drive.
“What are we going to do for the parade?” was the question that started it all for Adean Kreuzer.
Gathered with her family in mid-October, Kreuzer was inspired by Hellen Keller's quote: “Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much.”
So, the members of Keruzer’s family’s businesses – Advanced Plumbing Solutions and Advanced Builders – decided to walk the parade route collecting non-perishable food for the Salvation Army Food Bank.
Kreuzer knows lots of issues are stuck at the government level, but donating to the food bank is something within reach of many residents.
Grown-ups who give an item will receive a voucher for a 16 ounce drip coffee from Samuel’s. Children will receive candy.
The coffee shop has posted a food bank “Wish List” on the door of the historic safe located in the restaurant. The safe will also be open to collect food all day Nov. 23.
“What an opportunity to show our children,” she said.
Kreuzer is excited for children to donate food along the parade route and feel part of a city-wide effort to help fill the food bank.
This is the first year for the parade food drive, but she’s keen to see it continue.
“This is going to happen forever.”
After the parade, everyone is invited to Credit Union Place for hot chocolate with Santa.
A Christmas display and the jolly fellow himself will be available for photos with the children.
Even Jimmy Rankin is getting in on the action – the Cape Breton crooner pushed back his show at Harbourfront Theatre until 8 p.m. so folks could take in the parade first.
“It’s not too late to register floats, we will be taking registrations right up until the day of the parade,” said Potter
Organizers are also still seeking volunteers to monitor the street barricades along the route. Volunteers and floats can be registered online with [email protected].
