The Port Elgin BIA, in cooperation with Port Elgin Pumpkinfest and the Port Elgin Rotary Club, announced November 8 the Port Elgin Santa Claus Parade will run this year.

In a Port Elgin BIA media release, Santa and his reindeer will make their way through downtown Port Elgin on Saturday, November 23 at 7:00 p.m.

“We didn’t want to have to wait until next year for Santa to pay a visit to downtown Port Elgin,” said BIA Chair Tami Runstedler.

The theme of the parade will be “Winter Wonderland”, with registration information to be released in the near future. “We can’t wait to see all the great floats, and of course, welcome Santa to downtown Port Elgin,” said Runstedler.

The parade will run on a revised route on Goderich Street, beginning at Elgin Street and proceeding south to Eugenie Street.

“We heard feedback that the old parade route was too long and we’re confident the shortened route will make it easier for everyone to enjoy the parade,” said Runstedler.

Full road closure and detour details will be posted prior to the parade.

As with any community event, volunteers are required to ensure the parade runs smoothly and safely.

Those wishing to volunteer an hour of their time can register with the BIA via e-mail at portelginbia@gmail.com.

In September, the Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce proposed rotating parades between the communities of Southampton and Port Elgin with the 2019 parade taking place in Southampton. The decision was due to staff burnout, volunteer shortages and financial infeasibility.

The Southampton parade will take place on Friday, December 6 at 7:00 pm and will run along High Street (from Grey Street to Grosvenor Street).

See: Council weighs in on Chamber's alternating parades proposal

Chamber looking to host just one Christmas parade per year in Saugeen Shores