It looks like COVID-19 won’t be enough to keep Santa away.
On Friday, the Optimist Club of Parry Sound along with the town announced that the jolly old elf will be coming to town for the 2020 holiday season.
Saint Nick will make his first appearance in Parry Sound during the Zoomin’ with Santa virtual event and again the following week – during the Santa Claus Drive-Through Parade.
Mayor Jamie McGarvey says he’s thrilled the town is able to provide a safe opportunity to celebrate the holidays.
“The safety of the community and participants has been paramount throughout the planning process, and in a time marked by significant change, I’m pleased that we can still celebrate the holidays safely,” McGarvey said.
Organizers are working to bring the holiday spirit to the town while ensuring residents’ safety by modifying a pair of their events – the parade and Breakfast with Santa – both of which have been staples to the community for years.
Zoomin’ with Santa will let kids speak to the big man himself through online video chat – while the parade will let the public view festivities from the comfort of their own car in the Parry Sound Mall parking lot.
“We are happy to partner with the Town of Parry Sound to provide holiday events that will bring smiles to the children and youth of our community,” Treasurer of the Optimist Club Josée Venee said. “With some careful considerations for the health of our community, we hope that these events will bring some holiday cheer to all.”
The Optimist Club and the town have partnered together on these events to build community pride and raise funds for local causes.
The virtual event takes place on November 21st while the parade will run on the 28th.
For more information, check out the town’s events page.