It’s always an exciting time when the Big Guy takes a break from making toys to visit the girls and boys of the Ottawa Valley. Santa Claus, the jolly elf himself, will be in Renfrew for the annual Christmas parade Saturday evening. This year’s theme is a “A Dickens Christmas”, and organizers are sticking with the evening time slot, so area residents can enjoy the soft glow of floats decorated in festive lights. Staging area for participants is RCI, and the parade, which starts at 5:30, will travel along Bonnechere to Renfrew Avenue, up Opeongo before turning down Raglan, to make its way to Low Square. After the parade, Santa will meet with local youth at the Gazebo to hear their Christmas wish lists. New this year are several cut trees, also lit, in Low Square, making a picturesque background for selfies and family photos. Organizers are proactively looking ahead to next year, hoping to bring Santa to the square each week for visits with local children. They would also like to see holiday vendors in Low Square and perhaps an outdoor skating rink.
Meanwhile, Renfrew isn’t the only town that will get a visit from Santa this weekend. The Barry’s Bay Santa parade, which starts from Kelly Street, begins at noon Saturday. Beachburg is holding theirs Saturday evening at 5:30, starting at Harris Crescent. On Sunday, the Eganville parade kicks from EDPS at 1pm, while at the other end of the Valley, Calabogie is hosting their parade at 1 o’clock as well, departing from St. Joseph’s School.
