A south-end Barrie community is looking to have a socially distanced driveby Santa Claus Parade on their streets this weekend with a visit by the big man himself.
Residents in a subdivision in the Lockhart/Huronia Road area are being encouraged to stand on their driveways at 1:25 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 28 to see what Lesley Moore hopes is a parade of decorated vehicles.
“I just wanted to do something for the community and all the kids around us for the season,” Moore told BarrieToday. “It's been such a rough year for everyone so this could help put a smile on some faces.”
Those smiles will be covered with masks, however, as Moore is reminding anyone who is taking part that health guidelines will be in place for the event.
“We want to be as responsible as possible, so we are asking for social distancing, masks and staying in your own driveway with your immediate family,” Moore said.
Moore has been planning the parade for close to three weeks and has people looking to help, including her Ward 9 councillor who will be riding Santa Claus around in his Mustang convertible.
Coun. Sergio Morales told BarrieToday that he's not only helping Moore safely complete her parade in these difficult times, but lending a hand to the Jolly Ol' Elf can’t hurt, either.
“When Lesley told me about the idea of having a Santa reach out to the kids on their own driveways, it was a no-brainer,” Morales said. “I need all the Nice List points from Santa I can get. Hopefully he’s not a Camaro guy.”
Also helping Moore is a friend with a pick-up truck who will accept letters to Santa and non-perishable food items for the Barrie Food Bank.
It was announced on Oct. 2 that the Barrie Santa Claus Parade has been cancelled this year due to COVID-19.
“I have four kids and I know how special it is for them to see Santa every year in the parade,” Moore said. “I just want them to have that moment this year, too.”
The parade will start at the entrance into the subdivision, Finsbury Street, which is located off Lockhart Road near Huronia Road, and then continue through the neighbourhood.
If you would like to help or participate, contact Moore at [email protected].
