Santa’s in Town

As if it didn’t happen every year, we are always in awe of the Big Man on parade day. How he has time to pop into town and float around while he is responsible for gazillions of toys to be delivered around the world in three weeks, we’ll never understand. But he’s coming again to this year’s 40th Help Santa Toy Parade as the holiday season is officially kicked off in the Ottawa area.

Here are a few tips to note before you set out this year.

New Time and Route
Mark your calendars! The 2009 parade is taking place on Saturday, December 5, and they’ve made it into a nighttime event this year, starting at 6 pm. The new route begins at the Canadian War Museum, moves east on Wellington, south on Elgin, east on Laurier Ave and finishes at City Hall.

Look at the Parade Map
Take a look at the parade map ahead of time and decide where you’re going to park the car (as well as yourselves). Public transit is always a good alternative, especially since there is an evening performance at the NAC which might cause issues with parking and traffic.

Check the Weather Forecast Before You Go
Arrive a bit early to secure a good front row view. Break out your warmest winter gear (hats, mittens, snow pants, coat, thick socks and boots) because the fun stops as soon as someone gets too cold. A thermos filled with something warm helps. You won’t be generating much body heat while watching the parade go by and organizers anticipate that the parade will take an hour and 20 minutes to pass any given point. 

Bring a New, Unwrapped Toy to Donate
Be sure to bring a toy and a pocketful of loonies and toonies because Ottawa firefighters will be collecting along the route. If you forget your toy, you can also drop it off at any Ottawa-area fire station until December 19.

Don’t Forget the Essentials
Bring a folding chair and blankets—one blanket to sit on and one to wrap over you and whomever is sitting on your lap. The kids’ wagon is another good thing to bring as it covers seating and transportation issues.

If he’s good enough to come down and say hello for a few hours, the least we can do is show up, after all.

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