GRAVENHURST – Santa’s 59th sojourn to Gravenhurst will be celebrated this Saturday, Dec. 1 with the annual parade in his honour.
The local Chamber of Commerce, Royal Canadian Legion, local businesses and the BIA have joined forces to welcome the jolly old elf to town with a full day of fun and seasonal frivolity planned.
Danielle Millar, general manager for the chamber, said this year is shaping up to be one of the bigger parades in its nearly 60 years with more than 50 floats booked. That will include marching bands, horse-drawn wagons or sleighs (depending on the weather) and a special appearance by the Snowcrest Riders’ new trail groomer. Local business owner Randy Brown will be helping Santa with members of the Hachey family, pitching out plush toys that he has collected for the 18th annual teddy bear toss that the late Lawrence “Shorty” Hachey started nearly two decades ago. Volunteers with the local fire department will have their boots in hand to collect for their charities as well.
Millar said floats and participants will gather at the legion before setting off down Veteran’s Way to the main street. From there the parade swings north up Muskoka Road to the main downtown core where it will end at Church and Brown streets.
“But the parade is just the start to an exciting day,” Millar said.
From 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the opera house, Santa will visit with children and jot down their wishes on his list. The local Girl Guides will be providing a free lunch of hotdogs and drinks for children and there will be plenty of games, activities, crafts and treats to take in as well.
In partnership with Muskoka Fine Films, the movie Elf, starring Will Ferrell, will be shown for free at the opera house, starting at 2 p.m.
Members of the Winter Carnival committee will have information about the February 2013 event and the BIA will be giving out information on the “12 reasons to visit up town this holiday season,” a marketing project they have taken on for this year.
The Salvation Army will be hosting a luncheon at its community church including chili, soups and treats for $6 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., while the Trinity United Church is hosting its Christmas bazaar from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. as well.