Christmas parade ready to hit the streets

The annual Rotary Christmas Parade takes over downtown Chilliwack on Saturday Dec. 5, beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Jennifer Forbes (with stapler) of Heritage Chiropractic, her daughter Charlotte and Shannon Koshman work on their 'Great White Christmas' float for the Rotary Christmas Parade on Saturday. Inspired by Charlotte's passion for shark conservation, the float will soon feature an inflatable Santa on a paddle board, and a special theme song - written by Lori Paul of Spiderlodge - will resound from the speakers.

Jennifer Forbes (with stapler) of Heritage Chiropractic, her daughter Charlotte and Shannon Koshman work on their 'Great White Christmas' float for the Rotary Christmas Parade on Saturday. Inspired by Charlotte's passion for shark conservation, the float will soon feature an inflatable Santa on a paddle board, and a special theme song - written by Lori Paul of Spiderlodge - will resound from the speakers.

Hit the streets on Saturday for the most fun and festive community event of the year. The Rotary Christmas Parade brings the holiday spirit downtown beginning at 5:30 p.m.

Presented in part by the City of Chilliwack, our local rotary clubs and the work of generous volunteers and sponsors, thousands will gather to spread warm Christmas cheer for this annual event.

It is Raymond Cauchi’s first year in the Rotary Christmas Parade Coordinator role, and he’s pleasantly surprised by the great community support and engagement.

“It’s going to be pretty amazing,” Cauchi said.

He commended Sharon Dueck and other prior parade organizers for their “fantastic” work.

“I’m just keeping this solid tradition going!”

The parade route will begin rolling west from a spot near Evergreen Hall, along Corbould, onto Wellington and then along Yale Road east.

Earlier in the day there will be children’s ornament making at Vineyard Community Centre beginning at 2 p.m.

You can also snap a selfie with Santa over cookies and hot cocoa at Coffee Plus between 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

At least sixty floats have entered in the parade, including mobile entertainment stages that will amp up Christmas tunes for every parade-goer to enjoy.

Mayor Sharon Gaetz will join parade commentators at a central Five Corners spot to celebrate the festivities.

Road closures on Spadina begin at noon and throughout the downtown core beginning at 4 p.m. Visit chilliwackchristmasparade.com for full map and closure schedule.

Bleachers will be set up at various locations, but get there early to secure your spot. Make a day of it – do some shopping and stop at a downtown restaurant for a hot meal.

Covered seating is available for seniors and people will limited mobility.

Don’t miss this incredible community event. As always, it’s the more, the merrier!

Parade floats will be judged based on creativity and demonstration of community and holiday spirit in eight categories. Winners will be revealed at Preston’s Restaurant and Lounge on Dec. 9.

For more details visit chilliwackchristmasparade.com.

 

Chilliwack Progress