Trio of Santa parades in WC Dec. 7

WEST CARLETON – Santa will have to be agile Dec. 7, he’s the guest of honour at three different parades in West Carleton all on the same night.

A rarity in this reporter’s experience, for the first time in a long time, all three West Carleton-based Santa Claus parades will be held on the same night, Saturday, Dec. 7.

The Carp Santa Claus Parade, the Constance Bay Santa Night Parade celebrating its second evening edition and the newcomer to the group, the Fitzroy Harbour Christmas Parade all happen Saturday evening, and Santa Claus will be at all three.

The Constance Bay Santa Night Parade starts at 5 p.m. and does a loop around Bayview Drive.

“Here comes Santa Claus, right down Bayview Drive,” Constance and Buckham’s Bay Community Association (CBBCA) special events director Meghann Blyth released in a statement Nov. 10. “It’s the most magical day of the year, and we need your help to make it a success! Whether it’s a big task or a small one, there’s the perfect job for you as we gear up for our second annual Nighttime Santa Claus Parade.”

After the parade, join the community at the Constance Bay community centre (262 Len Purcell Dr.) for food and a party with Santa.

If you would like to register a float, click here. If you would like to volunteer for the parade, click here.

Santa will have to hustle down the road to Carp in time for the 15th annual Carp Santa Claus Parade in support of the West Carleton Food Access Centre.

“As is tradition, the 15th Annual Carp Santa Claus Parade will be supporting the West Carleton Food Access Centre,” volunteer organizer Shaylyn James released in a statement Nov. 17. “We’ll be accepting donations of non-perishable food items and monetary contributions. Let’s spread love and kindness this season. Keep an eye out for the firefighters during the parade, they, and only they, will be collecting donations during the parade.”

There are other options to support the food bank as well.

“If you are not able to make it to the parade but would still like to make a donation, we will have a collection bin outside of the Carp Outdoor Rink from Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. until the day of the parade Saturday, Dec. 7,” James said.

This year, the parade is taking a slightly different route, staging at the Huntley Community Centre, heading on to Langstaff Drive and circling around Donald B. Munro Dr. and Carp Road ending at the W. Erskine Johnston Arena.

If you would like to help the Huntley Community Association out, you can:

• Email carpsantaparade@gmail.com to volunteer for traffic control, students welcome.
• Email oldcarpvintagethread@gmail.com to enter a float or call Annie Craig at 613-558-8286
• Download Letter to Business and Community Members – Float information
• Download Parade Registration Form

Fitzroy Harbour’s third annual Christmas Parade starts at 6:30 p.m. travelling around the village and ending at the Fitzroy Harbour Community Centre (100 Clifford Campbell St.).

There will be opportunities for photos with both Santa Claus and that cranky rascal The Grinch.

“An event for everyone to enjoy,” organizers released in a statement. “Hot chocolate and yummy treats to follow at the community centre.”

All these and many more holiday events (and regular events) can be found on West Carleton Online’s Events Listings page here.