The annual Santa Claus Parade is taking place next month in Cochrane is still searching for more than half of the volunteers needed to make the parade possible.
“Anyone who wants to help out for the day – we fully appreciate it,” said Spencer Seabrook, parade chairman and co-founder. To run a successful parade, 50 to 60 volunteers are needed and currently the parade only has about a quarter of what is needed for volunteers this year, organizers said. People can sign up on the Cochrane Santa Parade website.
Event host, safety and security, form-up area, barricades, wrap-up barbecue and community visits.
Volunteer orientation goes Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. at the Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) building located at 209 Second Ave. W. Orientation attendance is mandatory for volunteers due to safety risks.
“If people are not in attendance we won’t be able to accept them – it is very important our volunteers know the protocol,” Seabrook explained. “We want them to be prepared and to make it as fun and safe of an event as possible.”
Organizers for the Santa Clause Parade supply volunteers with necessary tools and clothing; such as safety vests, flashlights and hand-warmers, Seabrook said.
“We just need (volunteers) to show up and be willing to give us a hand.”
– Parade Float application submissions extended to Nov. 20 (tomorrow)!
– New parade route announced. This year the Santa Claus Parade will stay on the south side of the railway tracks – a safety decision made by the parade committee. The parade will start at the old Cochrane Dodge lot on Railway St. W and travel east.
– Judges for the parade will be picked by a draw. Applications available online.
– Community visits will be scheduled this year. While organizers agreed they were fond of the old community visit style of stopping for each family they passed, organizers also agreed the old style of visit was not time-effective. This year Santa Claus Parade organizers will also be partnering with Home Treasures staff and the Glee Club for community visits.
The annual Cochrane Santa Claus Parade will take place on Dec. 12 starting at 5 p.m. For more information about float submissions, volunteer applications, judging applications, parade route or community visits go to cochranesantaclaus.ca
