I can already feel the chill and excitement in the air as I look around town and see Christmas lights and decorations going up in our neighbourhoods and retail stores. Local families don’t have to wait long for Kingsville’s 18th annual Santa Claus Parade!

The parade starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 20.  Floats will start down Jasperson Lane to Main Street, and finally south on Division Street to Lakeside Park. As Santa passes the beautiful evergreen tree at the Carnegie Centre, the lights will magically be turned on!

The theme of this year’s event is “What Christmas Means to Me.” It has been organized by the Town of Kingsville with support from volunteers. The response in terms of donations and floats has been outstanding. Once again, Kingsville has stepped up to the plate!

If you’re coming out to the parade, please don’t forget to bring a new, unwrapped toy in its original packaging. These donations will be collected by members of the Kingsville Fire and Rescue team on the parade route. They will be collecting cash donations to purchase gifts and gift cards.

These will benefit the toy drive organized by the Goodfellows. Please consider helping to ensure that every child in our community wakes up to a new toy on Christmas morning.

Volunteers for the Kingsville Community Food Bank will be walking the parade route collecting canned goods and non-perishable items.

November needs at the Food Bank include: dish soap, fruit cups, canned vegetables, Sidekicks, saltine crackers, mushroom soup, pasta sauce and canned tomatoes. But any donations will be appreciated!

At the conclusion of the parade, at approximately 8 p.m., the Fantasy of Lights Opening Ceremonies will kick off. Santa will flick a switch to light up the wonderful displays throughout the park. Come out and enjoy hot chocolate, Christmas carolers, fireworks and lots of festivities!

Each weekend until January 5, 2022, the Kingsville Express Train will be operating in the upper bowl of Lakeside Park on weekends between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Hop on to experience the lights display as you sip your hot chocolate. Admission is $2 per person or $5 per family of 4. Children under age 2 are free.

Don’t miss out on all of these exciting, magical festivities! It’s sure to be fun for the whole family.

Photos courtesy of the Town of Kingsville