Saint John’s holiday season kicks off Saturday night with the 72nd annual Santa Claus Parade, and organizers say it will be the biggest in years.
Parade organizer Blaine Harris said 60 entries are taking part, up from 42 last year.
“I love it. All these entries, when you read through the application forms, and you see what they’re doing, they’re highlighting Christmas. The theme this year was Animated Christmas, and they’re highlighting the animation for kids,” Harris said.
He said the increase includes schools, cheerleading groups, local businesses and community organizations.
New participants this year include Crosby Foods, Osco Construction Group, Embrace Early Learning Centre, YMCA of Southern and Western New Brunswick, New Brunswick Community College and the International Longshoremen’s Association.
The city announced the parade will begin at the Cruise Ship Terminals on Water Street, continue along Saint Patrick Street, and then follow the traditional route across the Viaduct to Main Street North and Lansdowne Avenue.
Harris said organizers support the new route, noting it is safer and easier for large transport trucks to navigate.
“It’s a good time to change. And for us, it’s safer, it’s flat. Lots of room for people to stand and watch. And when you’re done, we’re only cutting off five streets in the uptown this year and not like normal,” he said.
Traffic restrictions will be in place. The city said no parking will be allowed on Water Street and Broad Street, between Charlotte Street and Water Street, starting at 3 p.m. streets along the parade route will close beginning at 5:30 p.m.
Harris reminded residents not to park along the route to avoid towing, adding that nearby port properties will be open for free parking.
Saint John Transit has also announced detours and service changes between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. to accommodate the parade.
The transit agency said several routes, including Lancaster Mall, McAllister Place, Regional/UNB and Harbour Bridge services, will be adjusted. Some trips will be cancelled or end early.
Full details about the transit routes are available online.
