The Doironville Christmas display will be on the road for this year’s KV Santa Claus parade.

The famous west Saint John tradition will be in a moving parade for the first time. Minions were painted on the float, thanks to school children from the area.

Marc Doiron of Doiron Sports Excellence said the former Murphyville displays and COVID restrictions cancelling Santa Clas parades inspired him to bring the holiday magic back to Saint John.

“I’m still a kid and wanted to recreate something. This has taken a crazy direction I never thought it would take,” said Doiron.

“We have probably close to 20,000 feet of lighting by now. I’m probably losing count.”

In its third year, mental health awareness has taken centre stage with a new lighting display.

Extra lighting will be displayed to promote mental health campaigns Operation White Heart and the Maddy Murphy Memorial Fund.

“Partnering with the Maddy Murphy group has allowed me to give back to this important cause and work closely with the amazing family and friends of Maddy who also fought and struggled with mental health,” continued Doiron.

“It’s too often these battles happen behind closed doors. My goal is to let everyone know that you don’t have to struggle alone. It’s okay not to be okay.”

This year, volunteers will accept non-perishable food items, grocery store gift cards for the West Side Food Bank, and cash donations to the Maddy Murphy Memorial Fund for mental health in memory of Brent McLellan.

The number seven will also be displayed to honour McLellan, who was a late friend of Doiron’s.

The usual static display will also be viewable along Green Head Road until Christmas Day.

The KV parade begins at 6 p.m. Saturday at Kennebecasis Valley High School. It will travel along Hampton Road to the intersection of Marr Road and Clark Road.

If you can’t attend the displays but still want to donate, e-transfers will be accepted at doironville@doironsports.ca.

Doironville Static Display – Image: Doiron Sports Facebook Page