After two years of pandemic cancellations, dates are set for the return of the two Santa Claus parades in Saint John.
The Saint John Santa Claus Parade will be held on November 19th, while the Lancaster Santa Claus Parade will take place a week later on November 26th.
Organizer Blaine Harris says the uptown parade has a new route this year.
Vehicles, bands, and people will travel down Union Street before turning right onto the viaduct.
Harris says transports had a tough time negotiating the turns around King’s Square.
“The safety committee looked at it and it’s a much easier route. It’s flat. The only hill you’ve got is by Vito’s going toward the viaduct versus King Street,” Harris said.
Harris said the new route will also be much safer for those watching the parade.
“We can still put as many people along the sides. We’ll barricade them. There is not going to be any parking along Union Street for the parade day,” Harris said.
Meanwhile, Harris said the west side parade is an entity of its own and more community-focused, noting the strong school involvement.
“Being daytime, they do put a bit more work into their floats. Not saying that the uptown doesn’t. For daytime, you are not able to cover your float with lights and have people see it that way,” Harris said.
The uptown parade usually gets about 65 entries while the west side version has around 45 entries.
Registration for both parades is open until November 11th.
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