KV gears up for 25th annual Santa Claus Parade

Santa Claus will be coming to the Kennebecasis Valley this weekend.

The 25th annual KV Santa Claus Parade takes place Saturday evening.

Keri Flood is the recreation and communications coordinator with the Town of Rothesay.

Flood said about 40 applicants had registered just ahead of Monday’s deadline, which is typical for the parade.

“We did a bit of rebuilding post-COVID. We had a little bit fewer last year so we’re hoping to have everybody turn out,” she said.

The application was extended until Monday after last weekend’s parade in neighbouring Saint John was cancelled.

Flood said they wanted to give businesses and organizations a chance to join their parade if they wanted.

“There was no hesitation. Our parade is open to anyone and it’s free entry,” she said.

Flood said she thinks their parade may be busier than usual with the cancellation of the Saint John event.

The parade will leave Kennebecasis Valley High School in Quispamsis starting at 6 p.m. Saturday. It will travel down Hampton Road to the Marr Road and Clark Road intersection in Rothesay.

Canada Post will be collecting letters to Santa at the front of the parade, and Sobeys will be taking donations for the KV Food Bank.

Flood said the sensory-friendly zone will be back again this year within the Quispamsis Elementary school zone from Autumn Avenue to Pinewood Crescent.

“Sirens, horns and flashing lights are not permitted in that zone, but Christmas music and normal lights will still be on,” she said.

Flood said there will be several road closures in place along the roughly four-kilometre route beginning at 5:45 p.m.