The sound of jingle bells and reindeer hooves will echo down main street on Dec. 7.
Old St. Nick is making a stop in Bonnyville for the annual Santa Claus Parade.
“It’s going to start at The Players Lounge and go all the way down main street,” explained organizer Doreen Kushnir. “We’re all going to congregate at the C2 after, and they’re going to have an after party.”
Whether it’s a decked out tractor, a horse-drawn sleigh, or a Christmas-themed display, all organizations, businesses, and community members are encouraged to join.
According to Kushnir, although they allow participants to sign-up right up until the day-of the big event, the sooner they register, the better.
“It would be helpful to know how many people we can expect, but people can still register the day-of,” Kushnir noted, adding last year roughly 20 floats participated.
Those taking part in bringing Christmas cheer to the community will be lining up starting at 4 p.m. with the big show kicking off at 5 p.m.
Kushnir asked those participating in the parade not to throw candy to kids, instead suggesting someone hand it out to prevent any young ones from running into the street.
The magic began in 2015 after H.E. Bourgoin Middle School teacher Vonda Worthman sat down with her Grade 6 class to talk about the town’s lack of a parade for the past decade.
“I had young kids at the time, and my friends and I were traveling to Cold Lake and other communities in the Lakeland to attend Santa Claus parades,” she recalled. “I thought (it would be) fantastic if we had one here in our community, and the community has done a really good job.”
Worthman was among the original group of organizers that made-up the Santa Claus Parade committee, and over the years she has been blown away by the growth it has seen.
“I would love to see organizations and families continue to be involved, and coming out. I think it’s fantastic, and I hope it continues for years to come.”
This will be the second year the Bonnyville Centennial Centre will keep the festivities going after Santa has made his way down main street.
Everyone is invited post-parade to the C2 where there will be free family fun.
According to Sue Wojcik, marketing manager for the Centennial Centre, last year’s success made the decision to bring the after party back a no-brainer.
“Anytime we can provide family fun, especially free family fun for the community, we’re really happy to do it,” she expressed.
From sleigh rides to marshmallow roasting and hot chocolate, ice skating to rock climbing, and even a family movie, there will be no shortage of holiday fun to be had.
“The Bonnyville Pontiacs are going to be offering free admission for ages 12 and under with an adult for the home game that night against the Fort McMurray Oil Barons,” Wojcik added.
Kushnir encourages residents to come out and get into the Christmas spirit.
“You can connect with different people in the community, and the Centennial Centre and everyone involved makes it a big community event.”
Anyone interested in registering a float can call the town office at 780-826-3496, or sign up online at town.bonnyville.ab.ca.
