NEWS RELEASE
ORILLIA DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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There are just over two weeks to go until the 2023 Orillia Santa Claus Parade, and the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce (ODCC) is calling on local businesses and community organizations to register their floats by Nov. 12.
This year’s parade (on Nov. 18) is presented by Eagle Landscaping and Norscape Landscape and Pond Depot. The parade is facilitated by the ODCC and is made possible through the support of local business sponsors and the members of the Orillia District Chamber of Commerce.
Local businesses and community groups are invited to enter floats in the parade. A float can consist of anything from a walking group to a fully decorated trailer. With the parade being a nighttime event, there is plenty of room for creativity with holiday lights and illuminated decorations.
Float registrations are due by Sunday, Nov. 12, and can be completed online at www.orillia.com/santa-claus-float-registration. Organizers are hoping to see a few more registrations come through for this year, to continue the parade’s legacy of being the largest north of Toronto.
There is no cost to enter a float; however, businesses can choose to support the parade by sponsoring a banner. Sponsorships cover the costs associated with the parade, including policing, bands, and other expenses. A full list of sponsors can be viewed at www.orillia.com/santa-claus-parade. Sponsorship opportunities are still available by contacting [email protected].
For members of the general public who would like to support the parade, the Kiwanis Club’s Bucket Brigade will be collecting cash donations along the parade route. The ODCC is a non-profit organization made up of local, mostly small, businesses, and does not receive any government funding to assist with the parade. All donations, regardless of the amount, are greatly appreciated and go toward offsetting parade expenses.
The ODCC is also looking for volunteer banner carriers. This is a great opportunity for high school students looking to complete their community hours, or anyone who would like to be a part of the parade. Elementary school students are welcome to volunteer as well, provided that they are over 12 years old and comfortable with walking the entire parade route. To volunteer, sign up at www.orillia.com/volunteer.
Those planning to attend the parade can view the route at www.orillia.com/santa-claus-parade. The parade will begin around 5 p.m. and will depart from the eCapital property on West Street South. This is the second year that eCapital has generously donated the use of their parking lot for parade staging. The expected end time is 7 p.m., but exact timing will depend on the final number of floats and weather conditions.
Parade attendees are encouraged to bring donations for the Sharing Place Food Centre, as Toromont Cat will be collecting items along the parade route to help make the holidays brighter for local residents experiencing food insecurity. Toromont’s partnership with the Sharing Place has been an Orillia Santa Claus Parade tradition for several years and their float, featuring heavy equipment vehicles, is always a favourite with young construction enthusiasts.
Children can bring their letters to Santa, which Canada Post volunteers will be collecting along the route. Letters can be addressed to Santa Claus, North Pole, H0H 0H0, and should include a return address.
As always, November weather can be unpredictable, but the parade will run rain or shine. Parade participants and spectators are reminded to check the local forecast and be prepared for the conditions. Volunteers and float registrants will receive communications from the ODCC during the week prior to the parade with instructions on arrival times and protocols.
More information about the Santa Claus parade is available on the ODCC website, www.orillia.com.
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