Final touches being put on Winnipeg Santa Parade floats

WINNIPEG – The day before the Santa Claus Parade is like a dress rehearsal for the volunteers.

“I hope everything works, but we are sure everything is in tip-top shape,” said Harold Stron who worked on the Manitoba Hydro float. It’s just one of over 60 that will roll down Portage Avenue on Saturday. It looks like a timeless parade float, but there are modern aspects to how it operates.

“It’s energy-efficient, using all LED lights,” said Stron. “Some of the floats are powered by just 12-volt batteries.”

Some of the modern technology in this year’s parade will be more noticeable. The Art City float uses a GoPro camera to make every kid a television star.

“This is a big video screen, it’s going to be rolling through the parade,” said Toby Gillies as he shows Global News a large white screen. “We are going to capture kids having fun, and they’ll be a part of the parade.”

The parade is now in its 105 year, putting smiles on Winnipegger’s faces for over a century. Organizer Ron Mark said it’s an annual tradition that’s enjoyed with family and friends.

“We have grandparents come with grandchildren watching the parade at the same corners they did,” said Mark. “If you want to be part of a fantastic tradition in Winnipeg, that’s a good reason to come.”

The Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade starts at 5 p.m. and will be livestreamed on this web page starting at 5:15 p.m. Mike Koncan will co-host a broadcast of the parade on Shaw Cable 9.