The annual Santa Claus Parade set for Dec. 1 is poised to open with enthusiasm from it's organizer with the recreation department of the Town of Hay River.
"I love the parade," said Dale Loutit, the recreation programmer. "I think the parades are amazing. It's a great way to get communities together and get kids out and get some candy for them."
The line-up for the parade begins at 6 p.m. on Dec. 1 at Keith's Water Service, and it will begin at 6:30 p.m.
The town is requesting that any organization or business entering a float in the parade do so by Nov. 29 to help with the organizing effort.
"But if anyone makes a float last minute, they're more than welcome to come and line up," said Loutit. "They can just show up and we'll find a place for anyone that comes."
There is no registration fee to enter a float.
As of late last week, Loutit said she had no idea how many floats would be entered in the parade this year.
"It would be nice if a lot of people came out," she said. "It's a tough one because it's up to people and their businesses, and how busy they are and if they have time to put a float in, like what commitment they have."
Loutit said she is hoping that, in the spirit of Christmas, businesses and organizations will want to enter floats to help spread the festive cheer.
As in previous years, the Santa Claus Parade is being held on the same evening as the Midnight Madness downtown shopping promotion by members of the Hay River Chamber of Commerce.
"It's a good way to get people out and then they're already downtown and they go around and go shopping right after and get some good deals," said Loutit, adding the town is a supporter of the shop local initiative.
The recreation programmer also noted that the RCMP and the Hay River Fire Department will again be involved with the parade.
"And Santa will be there."