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Fort Macleod parade has been a favourite stop for Santa since
1982. St. Nick has visited the community every November since 1982
to help kick off the Christmas season.
“I recognize and respect the people who have kept it going,” said
Jim Mountain, who in 1982 was Main Street Program co-ordinator in
Fort Macleod and pitched the idea of a Santa Claus parade. “Some
people have ideas, but it takes a lot of hard work and commitment
to make them reality.”
That magic has continued to flow every year since 1982, as
thousands of people dress warmly and line the streets of Fort
Macleod to watch the parade, which lasts 45 minutes to an hour.
The Santa Claus Parade is one of the highlights of the annual Fort
Macleod Christmas Festival. Organized by volunteers, the festival
features two days of activity.
The weekend kicks off on Friday, Nov. 27 with a carol sing-along at
the west end of Main Street, followed by the lighting of the
community Christmas tree.
Other events on Friday night include wagon rides on Main Street and
activities at The Fort — Museum of the North West Mounted Police.
Merchants get into the spirit during Midnight Madness, a
late-night shopping event on Friday.
Visitors can stock up on Christmas gifts during the Giant Stocking
Sale on Saturday morning, Nov. 28 at the Elks Hall. A variety of
crafts and home-made items are sold during this event organized by
the Allied Arts Society of Fort Macleod.
The highlight of the Christmas Festival is the Santa Claus Parade,
which gets under way at 11 a.m. The streets are lined with people
to view an amazing variety of floats and entries in the parade.
Following the parade, people can enjoy food at events hosted by
local organizations, and there is a free children’s movie at the
Empress Theatre.
Children can have their photographs taken with Santa at The Macleod
Gazette immediately following the parade. Proceeds are donated to
a local charitable organization. The Rotary Club of Fort Macleod
hosts its annual fund-raising auction Saturday afternoon at the
Fort Macleod Auction Market.
The Christmas Festival concludes with a family dance at the Elks
Hall on Saturday night.
For information contact the Main Street Office at 553-2500. |
