Why is Santa arriving one hour early this year?

Rotary Santa Claus Parade will start at 5 instead of 6 p.m.

Santa is coming to town an hour earlier this year!

The Rotary Santa Claus Parade, scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 22, will now begin at 5 p.m. instead of 6 p.m.

This scheduling change was made to avoid conflict with the Soo Greyhound’s game taking place that night, which will feature a special jersey retirement ceremony honouring Jeff Carter before puck drop.

“Due to the special ceremony, there was a time conflict with the parade and Greyhounds game. Thus, we worked together to seek a resolution by starting the parade an hour earlier than usual,” said Parade Marshal David K. Marshall in a news release issued today.

“Santa is a big Greyhound fan and advised me that he has no problem starting at 5 p.m. when visiting the children of Sault Ste Marie. He is looking forward to the Rotary Santa Claus Parade.”

According to the release, The Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie and the Soo Greyhounds worked collaboratively to ensure both events could move forward without overlap, allowing the community to celebrate two major events in one exciting evening.

“On behalf of the Greyhounds, we appreciate the spirit of cooperation and partnership,” said Soo Greyhounds President and Governor Tim Lukenda in the release.

“This is a reasonable compromise in order that fans, especially young families, can choose to attend both the parade and the Greyhound game on this day.”

The Big Santa Run will also start earlier, kicking off at 4:30 p.m., with registration beginning at 4 p.m.

By SooToday Staff