Winnipeg’s Santa Claus Parade won’t be heading down Portage Avenue this year — but organizers aren’t letting COVID-19 completely ruin the party.
While the parade has been cancelled due to pandemic, organizers say activities — including an appearance from Santa — will still go ahead, virtually.
“We are thrilled to announce several interactive activities that will culminate in a professionally produced video special for children of all ages,” said Rennie Zegalski, president of the Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade Committee, in a release Wednesday.
“We know things are tough for everyone right now, and for children especially. We want to provide fun activities for families to do together, to remind everyone that the magic of Santa isn’t cancelled during a pandemic!”
Get weekly health news
The planning committee says the interactive activities will launch Nov. 10 on the parade’s website and social media channels.
The planned activities will be free and include contests, arts and crafts, music, and more.
They say the video special will feature the Santa float, music, a number of special guests, and of course, an appearance by the jolly man himself.
- Red Deer woman’s 31-month wait for MRI sparks fear and anger: ‘Really unreasonable’
- Parents of girl killed by cardiac arrest get defibrillator installed in rural Alberta town
- Calgary medical clinic site of potential measles exposure, province says
- Infertility or endometriosis could be linked to early menopause risk: study
“This has been a wild year for planning,” said Parade Director Monica Derksen.
“We’ve been saying that this isn’t ‘plan B,’ it’s plan ‘W,’ ‘X’ or ‘Y.’ As guidelines continued to change, we kept developing new concepts that would keep everyone safe.
“Finally, it became clear that the best thing we can do is celebrate together, but apart. Our goal is to still provide joy and excitement for the families of Winnipeg.”
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.