Roads will be closed to traffic this evening in downtown Maple Ridge for the annual Winter Fest celebration including the Santa Claus parade.
The festivities will begin at 4 p.m. in Memorial Peace Park, which will be transformed into a winter wonderland.
There will be a Christmas artisan market for those seeking unique gifts for the holidays, photos with both Santa Claus and the Grinch, hands-on seasonal crafts for all ages, tasty treats from everybody’s favourite food trucks, and donations are also being accepted in support of the Friends in Need Food Bank and Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Christmas Hamper Society.the Christmas.
At around 6 p.m. there will be a tree lighting ceremony, which will kick off the parade.
This event is being hosted by the Maple Ridge Christmas Festival Society and Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Association.
The Santa Claus parade will be making its way east along Dewdney Trunk Road, from Plaza Street, to 224 Street, where it will make its way south, wind around the Haney Place loop, and continue south to Selkirk Avenue, where the parade ends.
In between Plaza Street and Garden Street on Dewdney Trunk Road, there will be a sensory viewing area where people, who may be a little overwhelmed by loud noises or flashing lights, can enjoy the festivities as well. In this area parade entries will be keeping music to a minimum and have their flashing lights and air horns off.
The city is reminding everyone to stay safe during the parade.
They are reminding people to: stay behind barricades and caution tape at all times; to keep a close eye on children; that there is no running on the road while floats and vehicles are passing by; to listen to parade volunteers and safety personnel along the route; and not to litter.