By Adam Brazeau
CORNWALL, Ontario – For 25 years, the Christmas parade in Alexandria has been ringing in the holiday season.
Now that the ghouls and goblins of Halloween are gone, Club Richelieu of Alexandria is sponsoring a lighted parade under the theme ‘Toys for Christmas.’
Mark your calendars for Sunday, Dec. 1, at 6:30 p.m., to be a part of the local Christmas tradition.
“This parade is a celebration of Christmas for the kids. It’s not business-related,” said Jacques Leblanc, member of Club Richelieu of Alexandria. “It’s a really nice evening. Everything finishes at the park with the festival of lights.”
The 2013 Richelieu Christmas Parade will start at 6:30 p.m. (sharp) down Kincardine Street to Main Street heading south to Lochiel Street then west to end at Island Park. The parade is expected to last 90 minutes.
Ten floats are already signed up and Leblanc expects a lot more. He said many float participants register up to the day itself. Participants must be at the Glengarry Sports Palace for 6:00 p.m. on Dec. 1.
“Last year was beautiful, but a bit smaller since it was raining,” he said. “This time we have a great theme for our 25th anniversary Christmas parade.”
Once it wraps up, old Santa Claus himself will be available to chat with children of all ages. For safety reasons Club Richelieu is asking that no candy or objects be thrown at any time from the floats. Participants are encouraged to hand out goodies instead of throwing them. Prizes will be awarded to several floats based on decor, lighting and respect of theme.
“The most floats we ever had was 50. We hope that people don’t get in it for prizes,” said Leblanc.
It’s a time for Christmas spirit, which is why Leblanc said the event is being held on a Sunday when businesses are primarily closed.
Club Richelieu of Alexandria is a francophone service club, but Leblanc stressed that there is an English member and the parade is for everyone.
“We have all the English and French high schools participating. There’s no discrimination as far as language when it comes to helping out the kids,” he said.
For further information on the Richelieu Christmas Parade in Alexandria, visit www.richelieualexandria.ca.
