Instead of having large crowds gathering to watch Newmarket's Santa Claus parade go by, this year, you can drive by while the parade stands still.
Having a traditional Santa Claus parade proved impossible this year due to the restrictions placed on public events because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We can't have a traditional parade while still obeying public health requirements. So a number of municipalities have brainstormed together and have come up with this idea of a reverse-parade," said Colin Service, Town of Newmarket director of recreation and culture.
This Saturday, on Nov. 21, a few parade floats, buskers and a DJ will be set up in the south parking lots of Ray Twinney Recreation Complex at 100 Eagle St. W. The idea is families will stay in their vehicles as they drive through the displays, which will culminate with seeing Santa Claus on his usual float.
Staying in your vehicle will be required to visit Santa Claus Lane.
"Once we start having people walking, we have a situation where our numbers will be restricted significantly, whereas if people are in their own vehicles, it gives more people the opportunity to see it," said Service.
The volunteers who will be running the parade are also subject to gathering limitations, so the parade will not be large, he added.
There will be no community floats this year, and the whole event will take five to 10 minutes to get through.
"The only significant float we will have will be Santa," said Service.
But to help make up for it, the town is bringing in performers to keep people entertained during the wait and a collection cart for children's letters to Santa.
You must book a time to see Santa Claus Lane by preregistering at play.newmarket.ca. Slots are already filling up, so it would be advisable to register quickly.
