The Santa Claus parade comes to town in Belleville this Sunday and there are some extra precautions being taken along the route.
Earlier this fall the parade underwent a bit of controversy about a possible route change but it will take the same route as last year, along Front Street.
The Belleville Chamber of Commerce runs the parade for the city.
Spokesperson Susan Walsh tells Quinte News extra precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of the parade participants.
She says,”They will see that the floats can travel through there (the school’s parking lot area) a little more efficiently and get people off board (of the floats) in a safe manner. It’s very difficult keeping 2,000 people safe in a parade…we’ve had to take extra precautions this year because we’ve far outgrown Quinte Secondary school.”
There are 80 floats with about 20 people per float, adding up to 1600 right there. Walsh estimates between 5,000 and 7,500 people line the route to watch the parade each year.
Walsh also emphasized the rule for parade-goers: “no bums on the curb, no feet on the street.”
The Belleville Santa Claus Parade begins at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.
