(PHOTO: Cadets lead off last year’s Parade of Lights. Photo by Barry Gray)
Floats, bands, firefighters, costumed characters and yes, Santa Claus himself will be marching down Stittsville Main Street on the evening of Saturday, November 26.
Here’s what you need to know:
WHO ORGANIZES IT? The annual Parade of Lights is organized by the Stittsville Village Association, with lots of help from community volunteers including the Stittsville Lions Club.
WHEN AND WHERE IS IT? The parade starts at 6:00pm on Saturday, November 26 from the OCDSB property at Stittsville Main Street and Neil Avenue (across from Brown’s Independent), and will follow the traditional route down Stittsville Main Street to Carleton-Cathcart Street (just before the library and firehall). The parade usually lasts 60-90 minutes.
ARE THERE ROAD CLOSURES? Yes, starting around 5:30pm along the parade route on Stittsville Main Street. Roads re-open after Santa has passed through, with the last re-opening around 8:30pm.
WHERE CAN I PARK? It will be busy, so if at all possible leave your car home and walk to the parade route. If you must drive try these spots:
– Park on a side street west of Stittsville Main & exit via West Ridge
– Park at Sacred Heart HS and walk to Main Street
– Some people park at Brown’s or the Jackson Trails Mall, but avoid these if you can. Both will be crowded, and it’s a major inconvenience to people who are actually shopping at these businesses!
CAN I BRING ANYTHING? As in past years, the Stittsville District Lions Club will be collecting donations along the route of the parade for the Stittsville Food Bank. Spectators may make donations of cash or items of non-perishable food.
ANYTHING ELSE GOING ON? Before the parade, the Stittsville Legion is hosting a spaghetti dinner starting at 4:30pm. During the parade, several shops along the route will be serving free food and warm drinks. After the parade, Santa will be at Village Square Park (Stittsville Main @ Abbott) for the official tree lighting ceremony.
CAN I VOLUNTEER? Yes! Volunteers are still needed to staff barricades along the route and for set-up and tear-down. Perfect for families or students. Contact Marilyn Jenkins at 613-836-5075 or at jenkinsdm1@rogers.com.
Please note there is typically a half hour window at the beginning of the parade where cars can’t enter or exit the Brown’s parking lot easily, or without someone moving a barricade. Once the last float has left, the barricade at the north end of the parking lot is typically moved. We tend to have a couple people get stuck each year!
Thanks for the heads up Jeff!