How to Participate

General Information

Parade Theme

The Rotary Santa Claus Parade does not have a specific theme. Participants are encouraged to express their holiday spirit in their own creative way through costumes, music, lights, etc. Some ideas include: “The Nutcracker,” Gingerbread houses, Reindeer games, “Frosty the Snowman,” Whoville and the Grinch, “A Christmas Story,” Victorian carollers, winter holidays from around the world, “A Christmas Carol,” Silver bells, “Polar Express,” Christmas trees, and The Season of Giving. Note: No other Santa or Mrs. Claus entries are allowed, as the official Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be provided by the parade organizers.

Parade Start Time:

The parade will start at 10:00am on Saturday, November 16th. The route starts at the Real Canadian Superstore and ends at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium.

Float Requirements:

• Each entry must be decorated with a seasonal theme. Undecorated entries will not be permitted to participate.

• Maximum of 5 vehicles per entry.

• Floats with animals must have a “pooper scooper” and obtain separate insurance.

• Santa Claus-themed music is strongly encouraged for all entries to enhance the parade atmosphere.

• This is a family event; appropriate conduct and attire are required. Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited.

• Floats must be safely constructed, with sturdy railings and handrails. Fire extinguishers rated 2A-10BC are required on all floats.

• Adult supervision ratios: 1 adult per 10 children aged 6 to 12, and 1 adult per 5 preschoolers.

• No unsafe motorcycle demonstrations are allowed; motorcycles must keep pace with the parade.

• Participants may not jump on or off floats once the parade has started. Riders must remain on their floats while in motion.

• The parade Safety Inspection Committee will check each entry at the staging area to ensure compliance with all rules.

Parade Participant Information

Drop-off Location

Participants can be dropped off at Wendy’s on Memorial Avenue. Use Wendy’s main lot for drop-offs and avoid the drive-thru area. There is a 10-minute limit for drop-offs.

Parking Information

• Limited parking is available at the Superstore marshalling site. Use the designated rows shared with A&W, Subway, and First Choice on the east side of the building.

• No parking is allowed in the roadway behind the Superstore or in the front lot unless it is in the designated marshalling area.

• Only parade vehicles are allowed in the main float area. Floats should be constructed behind the Superstore before moving to the staging area. No exceptions.

Float Driver Information

Arrival and Staging

• All floats must arrive at the Superstore by 9:00am on Saturday, November 16th. Enter via Carrick St. to access the east side lot.

• Vehicles are not permitted to enter from Gorham St. or Memorial Ave.

• Floats with multiple vehicles must arrive together. If parts of the float arrive separately, they must wait at the back of the Superstore until all participants have arrived.

During the Parade

• Drivers are encouraged to shut off engines whenever possible to reduce emissions.

• Maintain a distance of approximately 10 meters (30 feet) from the float ahead to ensure smooth movement of the parade.

• If mechanical issues arise, pull over and signal for other floats to pass. Efforts will be made to re-enter the float at an appropriate interval.

• Do not leave garbage or materials from floats at the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium site after the parade.

Candy Distribution

• Candy must be distributed by walkers; no candy should be thrown from the floats.

• Be mindful to distribute candy evenly along the entire parade route, including towards the end near the Thunder Bay Auditorium, where many spectators gather.

• Horse riders are not allowed to distribute candy directly. Groups riding on horses must have walkers handle the candy distribution.

Post-Parade

• Refreshments for parade participants will be available at the big tent in the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium parking lot.

• Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet children in the Auditorium lobby following the parade.

• A shuttle bus will be available to transport participants back to the Superstore from the Auditorium parking lot along Beverly St.

Awards and Ceremony

Float Awards

• Best in Show

• Most Original Christmas Theme

• Educational/School/Child Care Category

• Community Group/Service Club Category

• Commercial Category

• Best Other

Note: Award presentations will occur at a later date, and winners will be notified directly.