It's official, there won't be traditional Santa Claus parades in Chatham-Kent this year, even though the province has lifted COVID-19 capacity limits for them.
Chatham-Kent police said they don't have auxiliary police officers to support proper staffing and traffic control needed for traditional Santa Claus parades because the pandemic hasn't allowed them to be requalified.
Deputy Police Chief Kirk Earley said, unfortunately, COVID-19 restrictions have put auxiliary police officers on the sidelines.
"As you can imagine COVID has put a significant strain on how the community and our service typically operates during the holiday season. Due to the restrictions associated to COVID we have been unable to requalify our Auxiliaries, until such time as our auxiliaries are re-qualified they cannot be utilized. This limits our ability to facilitate multiple Santa Claus Parades throughout the Municipality. Given these unprecedented challenges, the drive-by parades are the only alternative we can support," said Earley.
The municipality said reverse parades. in which floats and bands are static and vehicles drive-by to enjoy them, are still allowed.
The Historic Downtown Chatham BIA has announced that Santa will be visiting Kings Commons in front of the Downtown Chatham Centre on November 20, 2021 between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. thanks to the new owners allowing Santa and Mr. Popper Kettle Corn to be there for the children.
The BIA said children can come out to see Santa, tell him what they want for Christmas, and have a photo taken with the big guy in the red suit. There will be treats for the children who come out. The BIA is asking for toy donations and monetary gifts to be given to the Goodfellows.
"Thank you to the Downtown Chatham Centre owners for the location for Santa! Hopefully we can make it a free fun event for the local kids," said the BIA.
The BIA also noted that on November 18, 2021, downtown businesses will be staying open later and offering their own unique specials for their Home For The Holidays-Christmas Open House. Participating businesses will be open from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. that day.
More details are also coming for Light Up CK and Light Up Downtown on December 1 to the 12, 2021.
