The Windsor Santa Claus Parade is back

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The annual Santa Claus Parade returns to the streets of Windsor and this year’s event will have a new route and a new main sponsor.

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The Wyandotte City Center Business Improvement Association sponsors the parade, which will take place along Wyandotte Street East for the first time.

The December 4 parade begins at 6 pm and will be televised live on YourTV Windsor. The route begins at Devonshire Road and Wyandotte and runs west to Aylmer Avenue.

“It’s a cool neighborhood that has a homey feel to it and is small enough to create the atmosphere you want for a parade,” said Windsor Parade Corp. board member Maggie Durocher.
“Wyandotte BIA has been very supportive and we are grateful.”

Durocher said the parade route is also a reflection of the area’s population with its diverse mix of businesses and multicultural demographics.

“I really missed seeing the children’s faces and their excitement to see Santa last year,” said Durocher. “This really feels like a step back towards normality.”

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Parade goers should observe COVID-19 outdoor social distancing rules and wear a mask if those buffers cannot be created.

“We have consulted with the public health unit and we will have the proper protocols for spectators, volunteers and those on the floats,” Durocher said.

COVID-19 forced organizers to hold the parade at St. Clair College last year with cars passing in front of floats. Initially, this year’s parade seemed destined to be relocated to Riverside Drive, but Wyandotte Town Center Business Improvement Association board chair Larry Horowitz said his membership viewed the parade as a perfect fit for the neighborhood. .

“This is a really important event for the Essex County and community, so we are excited for the opportunity to host it,” said Horowitz.

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“We believe that the parade will help us to reintroduce ourselves in some way to people.”

The Wyandotte BIA already hosts the Canada Day Parade, but Horowitz said the Santa Claus Parade is a much bigger event.

To help support the parade, Horowitz said the business group is working with the Windsor Parade Corporation in planning events before and after the parade.

The parade route will also be ablaze with the Christmas light display that was popular last year.

“We want it to be like a festival,” Horowitz said. “We will have some announcements about some of the events soon.

“There are 70 restaurants along the route and many interesting stores that will be open, so we want people to stay and have fun. I think this can be a real economic driver for small businesses that have really borne the brunt of COVID. “

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