The region’s move into the orange zone means a certain Jolly Old Elf who favours red won’t be coming to Tay Township after all.
The municipality announced that after consultation with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, it determined that due to the new restrictions that the planned parade should not proceed. The event would have seen Santa Claus along with various floats travelling through Victoria Harbour, Waubaushene and Port McNicoll at month’s end.
“Tay Township looks forward to working with the organizers of this event for 2021, and encourages families to curl up with their loved ones and watch a classic holiday movie or televised holiday parade from another region,” the municipality said.
But Midland is still going ahead with another different type of option that’s the result of the ongoing pandemic.
The town is offering a social-distancing option Dec. 5 called a reverse Santa Claus parade.
Slated to run from 1 to 3 p.m., the Civitan parade won’t be allowing any pedestrian traffic, but will see spectators drive by the event's various floats from the comfort and safety of their own vehicles.
The plan calls for residents to enter Little Lake Park Road from King Street in their vehicles and proceed throught the park to view the floats that will be spread out in various locations. They’ll then exit the reverse parade route by turning righ onto Yonge Street.
Residents without vehicles may ride the town’s free transit shuttle that will be picking up/dropping off riders in front of the curling club.
But there’s still a chance the parade might not go ahead, according to organizers.
"We are working closely with the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit to ensure this parade can take place safely for all to enjoy," they noted.
"Should the COVID-19 pandemic situation change and tighter restrictions are put in place, this parade may be cancelled on short notice."
