Wednesday 30 November 2011

Santa Claus Parade illuminated the streets of downtown Fort McMurray

Fort McMurray, AB, November 29, 2011 - On Saturday November 26 the residents of Wood Buffalo kicked off the holiday season. Over 10,000 people came downtown to enjoy the annual evening Santa Claus Parade. Spectators included residents from our rural communities: Anzac, Conklin and Janvier.

The parade started after the Lights of Christmas event that was held at Doug MacRae Park. Guests enjoyed carolling, hot chocolate and had their chance to get a picture with Santa Claus. Events Wood Buffalo changed the parade route to pass by the park to combine the two festive events. The corner of King and Franklin was a hub of activity as hundreds of people gathered at the intersection to watch thousands of twinkling lights in the trees of Doug MacRae Park.

“What an amazing evening in Wood Buffalo,” says new Executive Director David Whitelock. New to Fort McMurray, Whitelock was very impressed with the community involvement in the event. “I had heard about the Big Spirit, and on Saturday I got to see what that was all about.”

There were over 40 floats in this year’s parade, some with walking groups of over 60 people. The official parade judges were watching the floats pass by and critiquing them based on use of theme, originality and spectator reaction. The 2011 Santa Claus Parade Awards are awarded to:

· Best in Parade - Youth Group – Ecole Boreal ($1,000)
· Best in Parade – Social/Service Group – The Community of Anzac ($1,000)
· Best in Parade – Commercial/Business – Inland Concrete
· Best in Parade – Honourable Mention – Mammoet

The Parade Awards Ceremony will be held at 3:00p.m. Friday December 9 at the Events Wood Buffalo office. Winners are encouraged to come and celebrate.

The success of the event relied heavily upon the various volunteer groups and individuals that dedicated their time and effort. Events Wood Buffalo wishes a warm holiday thank you to the Gold Level Sponsor Enbridge, and the Silver Level Sponsor Nexen. Also thanks to the various supporting sponsors, organizations and partners that have contributed to the event.

Misty Oakes
Communications and Development DirectorEvents Wood Buffalo
Office: 780-791-1600Mobile: 780-531-1263
Email: moakes@eventswoodbuffalo.com

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