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Santa Claus is coming to town.
Stratford’s annual Parade of Lights will be held on Sunday, Dec. 7, starting at 5 p.m.
The parade will take a scenic route around the Avon River, beginning at Hillcrest Drive and William Street, moving east along William Street to Lakeside Drive North, across the Festival bridge, then west along Lakeside Drive to the area in front of the Tom Patterson Theatre. Santa will be in the last float.
New this year, the parade will offer a sensory-friendly area on William Street, between Hillcrest Drive and Denison Street. Along that stretch, floats will not use sirens or intense flashing lights or strobes.
Also, the timing and location of the tree lighting has changed. A permanent tree on William Street across from Haig Street has been selected, and the lighting will take place there at approximately 4:45 p.m., just before the start of the parade.
For the safety of parade participants and spectators, a number of temporary road closures will be in place from approximately 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. The closures include:
We urge all motorists to drive cautiously when travelling near the parade route, and obey all road closure signs.
Those driving to the parade and parking nearby are asked to please be respectful of residents in surrounding neighbourhoods, and take care not to block or interfere with driveways.
The parade is co-ordinated by the Stratford and District Saddle Club, Bethel Pentecostal Church and the City of Stratford.
For more information, please visit www.stratford.ca/santa