Santa waves to the parade crowd.

by Frank McTighe

A Fort Macleod parade has been a favourite stop for Santa Claus for two decades.

St. Nick has visited the community every November since 1982 to help kick off the Christmas season.

“It was one of those magical moments,” said Jim Mountain, the man credited with initiating the event, of the inaugural Santa Claus Parade.

That magic has continued to flow every year since 1982, as hundreds of people dress warmly and line the streets of Fort Macleod to watch the parade, which lasts 45 minutes to an hour.

The Santa Claus Parade is one of the highlights of annual Fort Macleod Christmas Festival. Organized by volunteers, the festival features two days of activity.

The weekend kicks off on Friday with a carol sing-along at the west end of Main Street, near the community Christmas tree. The sing-along is followed by the lighting of the community Christmas tree.

Other events on Friday night include a live Nativity play, wagon rides on Main Street and activities at The Fort — Museum of the North West Mounted Police.

Merchants get into the spirit during Midnight Madness, a late-night shopping event on Friday.

Visitors can stock up on Christmas gifts during the Giant Stocking Sale on Saturday morning at the Elks Hall. A variety of crafts and home-made items are sold during this 25-year tradition.

The highlight of the Christmas Festival is the Santa Claus Parade, which gets under way at 11 a.m.

Following the parade, people can enjoy food at events hosted by local organizations, and there is a free afternoon movie at the Empress Theatre.

The Rotary Club of Fort Macleod hosts its annual fund-raising auction Saturday afternoon at the Fort Macleod Auction Market.

The Christmas Festival concludes with a family dance at the Elks Hall on Saturday night.

For information about the Christmas Festival and Santa Claus Parade, contact the Main Street Office at 553-2500.