SANTA DOING DRIVE-BY TO HOMES IN BALA FRIDAY NIGHT AT 5:30 P.M.
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
BALA — Residents here are always first to see Santa sailing over the Moon River each December on his motorized sleigh as the season of Christmas parades begins.
But this year, the biggest elf is coming down from his sleigh for a drive-by unlike never before.
Courtesy, of course, of COVID.
And while he will still be appearing in a chimney near you, tomorrow night he and Mrs. Claus will arrive in town in style.
Bala families are being encouraged to listen for the fire sirens and watch for the Clauses as they tour through Bala in a red convertible — driven by Rudolph.
The route starts at Windsor Park and Hwy. 169 at 5:30 p.m., with designated stops throughout Bala along 169.
They include the Shield Parking Lot, Grey Street, Maple Street ….
Then it’s on to residential streets along Victoria, Burgess and over to Aberdeen and back up Grey, before the parade route turns back onto Hwy. 169 before ending up at the Pines Plaza.
That’s the home to Lake Wear, the new Bala Pharmasave and the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce.
See the attached route map below.
‘Santa’s Fly By’ is one of several holiday events and activities happening in Muskoka Lakes.
With funding from Ontario Power Generation and the Harry Debes Family Foundation, gift bags are being delivered to every child at Glen Orchard Public School and Watt Public School, while high school students in Muskoka Lakes will receive gift certificates.
There have also been two virtual Story Times with Santa events (with a special one for Muskoka Lakes Preschool).
And there’s one spot left for a virtual in-home visit with Santa on Dec. 9.
As well, the virtual Holiday Muskoka Lakes parade is a go again this year. All groups in Muskoka Lakes can submit a short holiday message video to be included in the parade on YouTube.
In Port Carling, the Port Carling Lions are working hard to bring about an in-person parade on Saturday, Dec. 11 at 6:30 p.m.
And already, plans are in the works for an in-person parade next year in Bala. Volunteers are needed and a committee is being formed with the help of the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce. Please call if interested in being part of a 2022 parade.
Meanwhile, Bracebridge is holding a similar event Friday night downtown starting at 6 p.m. Santa will be walking Manitoba Street; and there’s hot and cold drinks at the Falls.
It’s followed by Rotary fireworks.
As well they have their Santa Claus Parade this Sunday afternoon, Dec. 5.
Gravenhurst’s Christmas parade event at the Muskoka Discovery last Saturday — with the great Science North Tour making a stop — was sadly cancelled due to the water emergency in town that had all local water taps shut off.
No date for a rescheduled visit has been made.
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