Marco Iannuzzi, former star wide receiver for the B.C. Lions, will be the parade marshal for the 14th annual Surrey Santa Parade of Lights.
“We’re excited to have Marco as our parade marshal,” said Paul Orazietti, the event organizer. “The parade is not yet known as a major city parade, but it’s growing. It’s still in its infancy, so having Marco as our parade marshal increases our exposure even more.”
Boyd Autobody & Glass, this year’s presenting sponsor, was instrumental in landing Iannuzzi as marshal, added Orazietti.
The Folks at @BoydAutobody have confirmed that Marco Iannuzzi of the BC Lions will be the parade Marshall for the 14th Annual Surrey Santa Parade! @ElementsSry @CloverdaleRodeo @pulse1077 @CityofSurrey @CTVVancouver @globalnews @GlobalBC_Comm @cbcnewsbc pic.twitter.com/otARtjjclx
— Paul Orazietti (@Paradeguy) November 12, 2019
Orazietti, also the executive director for the Cloverdale Business Improvement Association, said he expects thousands of folks to line the streets of Cloverdale’s downtown core Dec. 1.
“Last year we had about 15,000 people come out to watch the parade and I think this year will be similar.”
This year the parade will grow in length. Orazietti said the City of Surrey is allowing him to add 500 metres to the parade route and to set up bleachers to accommodate more spectators, improving safety.
The Santa parade is not your typical parade. Parade-goers bring donations to help a variety of different charities that provide a little bit of Christmas joy to the less fortunate.
Orazietti is encouraging spectators to bring unwrapped toys, non-perishable food items, and money to donate at the ‘Charity Zone’ located in Hawthorne Square on 176 Street. The Charity Zone will have a bunch of different booths: many will be filled with volunteers from local charities, one will have hot chocolate, and one will house Telus. The Telus booth will have a hockey shootout where visitors have a chance to win prizes.
The parade supports the Cloverdale Community Kitchen, the Surrey Christmas Bureau, and the Surrey Food Bank, Orazietti said.
Because of the addition of 500 metres, the Surrey Santa Parade will follow a slightly different route this year. Beginning at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds at 5 p.m., it will move along 60th Ave. toward Elements Casino. The route then turns south, heading down 177B Street, until it hits 57th Ave., at which point the parade heads west on 57th Ave.
When the holiday light parade hits 176th Street, it turns north for one block until 58th Ave, at which point it turns again on 58th Ave. The parade then runs east until 176A Street, turning north, before ending back at the fairgrounds.
According to Orazietti, there will be a variety of vehicles decked out with lights and there will be a variety of marching groups, including a marching drum unit, service clubs, and dance groups.
“There will also be hot rods, Model A Fords, decorated cement trucks, and a giant 120 tonne crane,” Orazietti added. “We will also potentially have a float from City Council, but nothing’s been confirmed yet.”
As of Nov. 15, Orazietti said he had about 60 confirmed parade entries. He caps the number at 90, noting he will have no problem reaching that number.
We will have even more drones flying for this year's Surrey Santa Parade of Lights, proudly presented by @BoydAutobody The folks at Boyd are working on bringing their best buddies the BC Lions to the event. Stay tuned! @CityofSurrey @pulse1077 @CTVVancouver @globalnews @CBC pic.twitter.com/PLJud0EubI
— Paul Orazietti (@Paradeguy) November 14, 2019
This year will be the second year in a row Orazietti will have drones flying over the parade.
“We’ve been flying drones for all the events we organize,” he said. “It started last year and the police are very interested in it too because of the higher desire for safety these days. My goal is to give people a sense of the size of the parade from a lot of different perspectives.”
Notable confirmation from the Air Cooled Club attending the 14th Annual Surrey Santa Parade of Lights on Dec. 1st at 5pm @CityofSurrey @BoydAutobody @pulse1077 @ElementsSry @CloverdaleRodeo @CloverdaleBC1 @SurreyRCMP @SurreyNowLeader @DiscoverSurrey pic.twitter.com/a1TnooaGym
— Paul Orazietti (@Paradeguy) November 13, 2019
Orazietti said even though the parade still has some hurdles to climb, people are starting to take notice of it.
“It’s now become a signature event and the city is recognizing that. We believe the event is only going to grow. It’s a non-commercial event, so we still struggle to cover costs and we rely on sponsors.”
He said it’s an important event for the locals.
“I think it’s something that does a great deal of good for Surrey.”
For a route map, and more information, visit surreysantaparade.com.
BIG RIGS FOR KIDS
The Big Rigs for Kids portion of the Surrey Santa Parade of Lights will lead the parade through Cloverdale. After the parade, the big rigs will roll through Surrey in a dazzling convoy of lights up to City Hall Plaza (13450 104 Ave.). The rigs will park up at City Hall and form a light display that will last until 8 p.m.
The Surrey Food Bank and the Surrey Christmas Bureau will be on hand to take food, toy, and cash donations from 3:30 p.m. onward.
Big Rigs will most likely roll out of Cloverdale around 5:20 or 5:30 on their way to City Hall Plaza.
Big Rigs for Kids are the main feature of the Victoria Santa Claus Parade and have been a part of the Cloverdale parade for many years.
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