Watch out, don't cry, don't pout... why?

For the first time since 2019, Santa Claus will be parading through town, and you're invited to tag along.

PR director for Rotary Club, Rotary Santa Parade of Lights Chair, Preston Meier says you are invited!

"It's not just for Portage la Prairie, it's for the region, and it's for our entire area, so, we'd like to see the streets absolutely packed, because we know it's been a couple of years," says Meier. "I'm told the weather is going to be nice, I know that's a little ways away, and things can change, but it's going to be a beautiful evening! If there's any business owners that want to open up, have some hot chocolate, I think that would be a really, really nice attachment to it."

The parade is set for Friday, December 2nd at 7:30 p.m. and there will be a long parade route for families to line up along.

"The actual parade will start right on the corner of 17th Street SW and Saskatchewan Avenue, and that's where you'll be able to start lining up," says Meier. "Of course, it's going to go all the way east, right down to 9th Street SE. They're going to turn right to get by the Manor [Lions Prairie Manor] and disembark right around the hospital area there."

Meier says they would love people to register for a float to join the fun. You can register by sending an email to plaprotaryclub@gmail.com. He says they will send you information on how to get involved. 

Those who are interested, are asked to show up to Island Park, behind Stride Place, around 5 p.m., to make sure you're lined up and ready by 7 p.m. (People riding the floats can join the parade at 17th Street SW before the parade begins.) You can bring candy and goodies to hand out, but they are not to be thrown from the float. You can also bring non-perishable food items for the Salvation Army.

(The floats will go down Crescent Road toward the start of the parade, but that will not be a watching area, as the floats/vehicles will not be moving slowly. You're asked to avoid this area.)

Related Stories