The Thompson holiday season is set to unofficially kick off Nov. 17, when this year’s Santa Claus parade will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The organizers of the 2018 event have managed to attract a couple of key players from last year’s festivities, including Vale, the Boys & Girls Club of Thompson, Boss Auto and University College of the North.
Lead co-ordinator Bobbi Montean says this year’s parade will also feature floats from some longstanding local businesses that have never participated before, such as Canadian Tire.
The participants also include businesses that are new to Thompson like Maple Bus Lines, which began providing service between Thompson and Winnipeg following Greyhound’s last departure Oct. 30.
Local entertainment personality Ken Bighetty will also help mix up the traditional Thompson Santa Claus parade formula by providing running commentary for Shaw TV.
“He is so pumped,” said Montean. “He can speak different languages as well, so that will be a benefit and I have asked him to bring his puppet.”
Otherwise, Montean is advising that all of the families who are planning on watching this year’s show in person should come prepared.
“It’s really important that the people attending park in a safe spot, use the crosswalks to cross, bring a bag or something to hold all the goodies, bring the letters to Santa and bring the donations for the food bank,” she said.
Anybody who would like to volunteer, register a float or find out more information about this year’s event should contact Montean via the Santa parade for Thompson Facebook page.
