Ahead of the Santa Claus parade this weekend, Mrs. Claus is in town checking to make sure everything is ready.
With a theme of Christmas Around the World, this year’s Santa Claus Parade in Timmins is Nov. 18 starting at 6 p.m.
Behind the wheel of a bright red 1959 Chevrolet pickup truck, Mrs. Claus scoped out the parade route and even peeked into a few downtown Timmins businesses.
Normally, Your Downtown Timmins BIA executive director Noella Rinaldo said 12,000 to 15,000 people line the streets for the parade.
With more than 50 entries, she said this is the biggest parade they’ve had.
“We’re quite excited about it,” she said.
Here’s what you need to know about the 2017 Santa Claus Parade:
Letters to Santa
Kids who have their Christmas list ready can bring it to the parade. Look for the walking Canada Post mailboxes at the start and they’ll make sure the letters are delivered to Santa.
Donations
Prior to the start of the parade, groups collecting donations will walk the route. Non-perishable items will be collected for the food banks, and Bella’s Boutique is collecting items for the annual Out of the Cold coat drive.
Parking
There is no parking along the parade route after 4 p.m. on Saturday. In the Marshalling Area at Spruce Street South and Second Avenue, in the area of the Timmins Library and Timmins Police Service building, there will be no parking all day.
Parade route
The fun starts on Spruce Street and heads north to Algonquin Boulevard. It goes west on Algonquin and south on Pine Street to Third Avenue. From there, the route goes straight down Third Avenue to Mountjoy Street, where it heads north to end at the Caisse Populaire.
Volunteers
Rinaldo said about 20 adult volunteers are needed to man the barricades along the route. If you are able to help out, call the Downtown Timmins BIA at 705-264-8733 or email [email protected].