Santa swoops into Aberfoyle Nov. 24

PUSLINCH – After organizing the Santa Claus Parade 28 times, the 29th time, on Nov. 24 at 2pm, will be a breeze for the Optimist Club of Puslinch.

And it will have all the bells and whistles – and clowns and bands and dancers and floats – the viewing public has come to expect from the Aberfoyle parade.

“We are a well-oiled machine by now,” Optimist June Williams told the Advertiser with a laugh.

The parade will follow its traditional route, beginning at the municipal office on Wellington Road 34, travelling east to Brock Road, south to Maple Lane (just past the Puslinch Community Centre), and right on Maple Lane to the Optimist Recreation Centre, where it ends.

But don’t leave yet. Because Santa Claus is sticking around for photos and visits with kids and families. He’ll also be handing out goody bags to the first 350 children.

And while you’re there, help yourself to a free hot dog and hot chocolate courtesy of the club.

It’s all to bring the community together to celebrate the season, Williams said.

“The Optimists are constantly doing things to bring the community together,” she said. “They do a good job of running events throughout the year.”

The Guelph Pipe Band starts things off, followed by a mix of community group and business floats, and two other bands – the Salvation Army band and the Silver Leafs out of Cambridge.

If the weather is good, the vintage steam engine might make an appearance as well.

And of course, the parade ends with Santa Claus, ushered in by Puslinch firefighters.

Bring a food donation for the Guelph Food Bank and it will be picked up by Aberfoyle Power Sports and their float as they pass by.

If you get missed, drop off your food donation at the rec centre after the parade.

And kids, don’t forget your letters for Santa. Be sure to include your return address and he’ll do what he can to write you back.

Canada Post might be on strike, but the Optimists have an arrangement with Santa and will see that he gets those letters.

It’s a good crowd that comes out, Williams said, and the parade goes on regardless of the weather.

“I haven’t looked yet – it keeps changing. But the parade goes on regardless,” she added.

Anyone interested in volunteering can do so at optimistclubofpuslinch.com, or just show up at the township office and you’ll be given a job, Williams said.

Organizers often need help with traffic control.

Although the parade lasts only 45 minutes, traffic on Brock Road is always busy and needs diverting.

So bundle up, pick your viewing spot and enjoy the parade.