IN WINNIPEG ❆ ❆
Santa’s Block Parties Begin at 4:00pm Santa Claus Parade Begin at 5:00pm For more info go to WinnipegSantaParade.com Join Us! Saturday, November 12, 2016
SUPPLEMENT TO THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS | SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2016
November 14 to December 29, 2016
Holiday lighting from the 1880’s to today
Manitoba Electrical Museum & Education Centre 680 Harrow Street, Winnipeg, MB Free admission and parking Call 204-360-7905 or visit hydro.mb.ca/museum
IN WINNIPEG
CELEBRATE THE SEASON at the Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade! BY WENDY KING
To ensure everyone has a great view of the Parade, outdoor accessible viewing is o ff ered at every intersection on the route, marked by a sign that reads Yield to Accessible Viewing. If you or someone you are with needs assistance to be seated here, just let the volunteers at each block know and they will help you. Limited indoor accessible viewing is also available. It’s free, but tickets are required. Submit a request for a ticket online at www. WinnipegSantaParade.com (go to Parade Info). Indoor seating is limited and assigned on a fi rst-come, fi rst-served basis, so sign up early! Manitoba Hydro, MTS and Portage Place are Accessible Viewing FIND YOUR TOQUE AND UNPACK YOUR MERRY! IT’S TIME FOR THE WINNIPEG SANTA CLAUS PARADE! SATURDAY, NOV. 12 AT 5 P.M. IS WHEN THE FLOATS START ROLLING. “The Santa Claus Parade is a free event and it’s open to all people,” says Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade executive director Ron Mark. The annual celebration and its wide variety of entries from not-for-pro fi t groups, businesses and other organizations encompass the entire extended community. “People come from all over the province, and we get many people from out of province who come in for the Parade and stay to visit family and then start their shopping for the holidays,” Mark says. “And the Parade is especially exciting for newcomers to the province, as it’s one of their fi rst big experiences with the culture of the city.” Block parties start at 4 p.m. and people can come down early to hear Camerata Nova in concert in the atrium at the Manitoba Hydro Building at 2 p.m. “We are encouraging people to carpool and take the bus and check street closures and changes to bus routes,” he says. Mark reminds everyone to layer up in warm clothing and to keep an eye on the weather. Parade-goers can be outside in the cold for a couple of hours before the Parade ends at 6:30 p.m.
There are approximately 10 new entries this year, bringing the total to about 80. “People really step up from year to year to add to their entries. They make them a little more exciting and entertaining for the children and teens coming out to watch the Parade,” says Mark. Archangel Fireworks will once again present world-class pyrotechnical shows at three spots along the Parade route — near the Rice Building, Portage Place and at Portage and Main Street. “Archangel Fireworks is a great company and their display is presented from the building tops with no big bangs to worry about,” he says. “Once Santa leaves a block the pyrotechnics go o ff , so that is your signal that
he is coming closer!” Santa’s arrival at the end of the Parade is also the o ffi cial kicko ff for Santa’s Village in Portage Place, where kids of all ages can get their pictures taken and walk away with a sweet treat and a warm memory. “Portage Place loves to partner with the Santa Claus Parade and bring the spirit of the season to all Winnipeggers,” says Dave Stone, manager of Portage Place. Mark notes that Portage Place also provides an o ffi ce for the Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade, where organizers work hard to present a merry downtown celebration year after year. “We are so very proud to be a downtown event.” Find all the details at www.WinnipegSantaParade.co m
Get to the Parade on time: The Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade starts at 5 p.m Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016 beginning at Portage Avenue and Young Street and heading east down Portage Avenue to Main Street, Street closures begin on Portage Avenue at 2:30 p.m., followed by Main Street closures at 3:30 p.m. Winnipeg Transit will re-route some of its regular bus routes. For route and schedule information, visit www.winnipegtransit.ca or call 311. and south on Main Street to Sir William Stephenson Way.
opening their skywalks, and the Independent Living Resource Centre (ILRC) is organizing the indoor seating. ILRC consultant Chelsey Sommer fi eld says the partnership with the Parade is an excellent example of building community. “Often, people think of access as expensive or labour intensive, but the reality is that if you think about equal participation, the solutions are often easy. Creating access for Parade-goers is an example of how simple solutions can provide equal opportunity for participation so everyone can enjoy these kinds of events.”
Unique Products & Gifts!
31 st Annual Traditional German Christmas Market Local crafters, German imports, café & bakery, children’s corner, hourly entertainment & more ... NEW LOCATION: Holy Cross Hall, 290 Dubuc Street, Winnipeg, MB. Admission: $2.00/person; $5.00/family Dates: Saturday, November 26, 9:00a.m.- 8:00p.m. Sunday, November 27, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00p.m. Contact: German-Canadian Congress
204-989-8300 www.gccmb.ca
02 - HOLIDAYS IN WINNIPEG 2016
IN WINNIPEG
Hey Kids — IT’S FRED PENNER!
Slap on your happy feet and get to the Parade to see this year’s Grand Marshal Fred Penner. He’s an Order of Canada recipient, two-time JUNO Award winner and Winnipeg’s home-grown ambassador for children here, there and everywhere. “The Parade likes to recognize people from the community that are active and supportive of the Winnipeg community, particularly people that are involved with youth,” says Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade executive director Ron Mark. “Fred has been a worldwide ambassador for Winnipeg and for young people everywhere, so we think he is a very fi tting marshal.” Manitoba Hydro’s Jackie Britton agrees. “He makes me smile, and he’s such an icon and to have him as the Parade Marshal just warms my heart,” she says. “It just feels like he should be part of the Parade.” Tina Lussier, volunteer coordinator for the Parade is also excited. “His ability to make you feel good about yourself is exactly how we want people to feel on Parade Day!” she says.
Watch Out for Krampus!
There is a new “sheri ff ” in town to help Santa keep an eye on things during the Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade. Winnipeg artist Jordan Van Sewell is working with fellow artists to bring a new feature to the Parade — Krampus! Van Sewell explains that Krampus is an old-time European tradition and if you are misbehaving, Krampus might come over and vigorously wag his fi nger at you. “Traditionally, Santa got the list of everyone who was nice, and Krampus got the naughty list,” says Van Sewell. “Parents and children need to know that Krampus doesn’t bite, and as long as they are not being naughty, they have nothing to worry about.” Krampus is a fun and friendly reminder to be good this Christmas and Van Sewell wants everyone’s introduction to the character to be a pleasant one. “We’re hoping to add an element of that old time feeling that if you do something good, you get rewarded, but if you’re naughty ... !”
No Feet on the Street Don’t forget to watch for the No Feet on the Street crew. They’re helping to keep everyone safe, so remember to be friendly if they ask you to move back. They don’t want anyone to be hurt as fl oats travel along the Parade route.
HOLIDAYS IN WINNIPEG 2016 - 03
PHOTO COURTESY OF FRED PENNER.
IN WINNIPEG
SANTA’S HELPERS MAKE OUR DAY!
It’s a Jolly Holiday with the Costumed Walkers Every year, a group of volunteers don their merry apparel and bring spirit and cheer to the Parade. “We have a 150 costumed walkers this year,” says volunteer coordinator Tina Lussier. ”This is a day they look forward to all year and these wonderful people bring their own special spirit to the Parade. “They come back year after year and in fact at the end of the Parade, I always hear, ‘I’ll see you next year!’ ” Lussier says participating in the Parade is so special for the volunteers — and they should know they make it special for the crowds who come to cheer them on!
WINNIPEG SANTA CLAUS PARADE VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR TINA LUSSIER SAYS MORE THAN 600 DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS PROVIDE THE MAGIC ON PARADE DAY. S he says once someone volunteers, they stay on, so volunteer spots fi ll up early, “Our team leaders come back year after year and our volunteers actually work their way up into leadership positions,” she says. There are several categories of volunteers: Sponsor companies who provide volunteers to run Santa’s Block Parties at each intersection; volunteers who are involved with Parade communications and logistics, sta ffi ng warm-up areas and covering the bleachers, parking and food delivery. “We have our No Feet on the Street crews who help with crowd monitoring at the viewing areas
and they manage the accessible viewing areas at each intersection — and you can spot them in their safety vests.” A new safety team sponsored by Impact Security has come on board. And school and community groups pitch in as well. One group works with Manitoba Housing to distribute hot chocolate to volunteers. Other participants include the Southern Chiefs Organization, Canada Summer Games, 20th Beavers and Cubs, Special Olympics (with Bison Transport), Block Parents of Winnipeg, Girl Guides of Canada, War Amps of Canada, the Salvation Army, the Winnipeg Jets and the True North Youth Foundation. “We get our volunteers checked in early in the morning and a lot of them are outdoors the whole time,” says Lussier. “Parade day is an all-day commitment for our volunteers.”
Manitoba Hydro: A Parade Sponsor Powered by Volunteers
Manitoba Hydro is once again the proud presenting sponsor of the Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade, and its volunteers energize the entire day. “We’re just so excited to be in the Parade again this year,” says Jackie Britton, who is coordinating Hydro’s participation. Hydro retirees will be driving two fl oats — Parade favourites Cinderella and the Candy Carousel — and in addition to all the people accompanying the fl oats, Manitoba Hydro will send about 40 costumed walkers to the Parade. “We have the Electrosaurus fl oat that will be in the Parade as well,” Britton says. Hydro is also sponsoring Santa’s Block Party in front of its Portage Avenue headquarters, with fun activities for the whole family. “We will also be hosting the Camerata Nova concert at 360 Portage from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.,” she adds. “Then we have the VIP reception on the third fl oor, with about 20 volunteers helping out there, as well.”
IN WINNIPEG
M anitoba Hydro is the presenting sponsor and Great-West Life is the volunteer sponsor and both have a long history with the Parade. And the City of Winnipeg is a tremendous partner, re- directing tra ffi c and helping with street closures, parking signage and many other logistics. “The City also turns on the festive lights in the downtown which add sparkle to the Parade,” says Parade executive director Ron Mark. The University of Winnipeg is a great helper, providing a warm-up area for participants, and housing the Parade- day communications o ffi ce. And Canad Inns sponsors the volunteer appreciation night held after the Parade, providing food and drink and desserts. “They also have been strong supporters of the Parade for many years with their own fl oat,” Mark says. “ Manitoba Public Insurance is also a big supporter, helping with our crowd safety program No Feet On the Street and providing resources to help train the volunteers who keep the public safe in the viewing areas.” Media sponsors like the Winnipeg Free Press, and Parade broadcaster Shaw TV also play important roles in promoting the event. “Shaw broadcasts and then re-plays the Parade a number of times before Christmas,” says Mark. Springs Church provides shuttle buses to give volunteers a lift from their parking areas to the marshalling area and back again. Tina Lussier, Parade volunteer coordinator, wants to give a special shout-out to Kleyson Transport , which is supporting a new fl oat entry from Turning Leaf Support services. “There are a lot of non-pro fi ts who bring fl oats into the Parade and they rely on their own personal sponsors to help them and to build awareness for their organizations,” she says.
WINNIPEG SANTA CLAUS PARADE ORGANIZERS AND PARTICIPANTS ARE SO GRATEFUL TO THE WONDERFUL SPONSORS — NEW AND LONG-TIME SUPPORTERS — WHO STEP UP EVERY YEAR. HAVING FUN? Thank our Sponsors
Shaw TV will broadcast the Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade live, on Saturday, Nov. 12, from 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. on Channel 9 for Shaw Cable customers. You can also view the livestream at www.WinnipegSantaParade.com. And if you want to re-live all the fun - you can do that too! The fi rst repeat broadcast is set for Sunday, Nov. 13, 10:30 a.m. to noon, and Shaw will show the Parade several times throughout the holiday season. Check your listings! Play it Again, Santa
Norberry-Glenlee Community Centre
26 Molgat Ave. 12 pm - 3 pm
wellplanned.ca
FREE ADMISSION!
SAY YES TO GREAT gifts
SHARE THE SPIRIT with the Christmas Cheer Board
THE MOST NEEDED ITEMS ARE THINGS LIKE CANNED FISH AND CANNED FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
THE WINNIPEG SANTA CLAUS PARADE GIVES THE CHRISTMAS CHEER BOARD A CHANCE TO CONNECT WITH THE COMMUNITY IN A SPIRIT OF GIVING.
CANADIAN HANDMADE OVER 150 ARTISANS! SIGNATURES CRAFT SHOW & SALE RBC CONVENTION CENTRE WINNIPEG 375 YORK AVE THUR & FRI 11 - 9 SAT 10 - 6 SUN 10 - 5 NOVEMBER 24 - 27
“Participating in the Parade is very, very important for the Cheer Board,” says executive director Kai Madsen. “This is a great way to make sure that people know that Christmas is coming very, very quickly and to get people into the spirit of sharing while joining in a great community event!” The Cheer Board provides assistance to families in need to try to make sure all children have a happy holiday. Madsen expects the Cheer Board to provide about 18,000 hampers this year. More than half of all the food and toys are donated by individuals and companies, and the Cheer Board buys the remaining goods needed to fi ll every hamper. The fund-raising target is $900,000. You can help out by bringing donations to the Parade. The most needed items are things like canned fi sh and canned fruit and vegetables — especially those with high nutritional content. “And because it is a Christmas Hamper and it’s meant to be celebratory, we also want to include candy and cookies and those kinds of things,” Madsen says. It’s helpful to include items like pasta, rice and other goods that will help to make use of leftover turkey and help to stretch the season by stretching the meals.
“You can also think about what to add to soup or stew or casseroles and it’s also good to include cake mixes and those kinds of things,” he says. Madsen says toys are always needed and there is a particular need for toys for kids from age 10 to 14. Parade executive director Ron Mark is proud to be associated with the Cheer Board. “We really are in synch with the Cheer Board’s mandate,” he says. “We believe that everyone should have a fun Christmas and a joyful holiday season, and the Board just brings so much joy to families in the city.” There will be collection points all along the Parade route, and donations can be left at the block party tents. As always, Cheer Board vans will be in the Parade, with volunteers walking alongside gathering goodies for the cause. There are many ways for individuals, churches, community clubs and businesses to help. Provide a hamper through the Feed-A-Family program, or make donations at the Winnipeg Free Press, at the Toronto Dominion Bank, by mail to the Cheer Board or online. Contact the Cheer Board o ffi ce at 204- 989-5680 or go to www.christmascheerboard.ca.
#HandmadeLive #SignaturesWPG SignaturesWinnipeg.ca
IN WINNIPEG
CONTEMPRA SIGNS
RICHARDSON SCIENCE BUILDING PARADE HEADQUARTERS COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE
RICE BUILDING
TOM POWELL DESIGN
WEST END BIZ
CITY HALL
WFP NEWS CAFE
INVESTORS GROUP
PORTAGE PLACE
PARADE START
SHAW BROADCAST
VOLUNTEER SANTA SHUTTLE
DOWNTOWN BIZ
MANITOBA HYDRO
MPI
RADISSON HOTEL
GREAT WEST LIFE
PARADE END
RBC CONVENTION CENTRE
P7 DISPERSAL
VOLUNTEER SANTA SHUTTLE
VOLUNTEER SANTA SHUTTLE
WINNIPEG SANTA CLAUS PARADE SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2016 SANTA’S BLOCK PARTIES 4:00 PM PARADE START 5:00 PM CAMERATA NOVA CONCERT, MANITOBA HYDRO PLACE, 360 PORTAGE 2:30 PM
WINNIPEG PARKING AUTHORITY
PORTAGE AVENUE CLOSURES BEGIN AT 2:00 PM, NOVEMBER 12, 2016 PORTAGE AVENUE CLOSURES BEGIN AT 2:30 P.M, NOVEMBER 12, 2016
PATTISON
You’re invited to the Block Parties! Santa’s Block Parties bring excitement to downtown while helping everyone fi nd a perfect place to watch the Parade. Volunteers and sponsors provide a ton of free fun starting at 4 p.m. at each intersection along the Parade route, from Young Street to Main Street. “We have 14 sponsors this year that bring di ff erent activities with a Christmas, a Santa or other holiday theme,” says Andriana Demchuk, who is the coordinator for the 55-minute block parties. Your family could be making sugar cookies or Christmas ornaments, colouring, or even making cards for Santa while you enjoy hot chocolate and carollers. New this year, a salsa dance group will be giving lessons to kids, and Sport Manitoba and Fit Kids are returning to provide physical activities. Energy 106, a major media sponsor, will be back at Portage and Main, presenting a high-energy party with dancers, DJs, pizza and hot chocolate. There’s
Santa Trends on Twitter
also an information booth on every block. Volunteers can assist with accessible viewing and address any questions you may have. You can also drop o ff donations for the Christmas Cheer Board. “We also invite kids to bring their letters to Santa and Canada Post and the JCI’s will carry mailbags,” Demchuk says. “So if the kids hand their letters to the info booth volunteers, they will place them in a large envelope and when Santa’s fl oat comes by, the envelopes will go into the mail bag for Santa.” Parents are encouraged to keep a close eye on their little ones, but if you do get separated, Downtown Biz is there to help. Lost children will be accompanied to the Downtown Biz o ffi ce and parents can pick them up there. Santa’s Block Parties happen with the help of: CBC Manitoba; JCI; Winnipeg Salsa Explosion Dance Company; Great West Life; O ffi ce of the Children’s Advocate; Canad Inns; Energy 106; Manitoba Hydro; Sport Manitoba; Scotiabank and others.
The Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade has a fun and friendly social media component. “We have trended on Twitter for the last two years with our hashtag #wpgsantaparade,” says Tina Lussier. “Last year we trended for two days.” Use the hashtag to connect with the Parade on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. There will even be a Snapchat component this year. Parade organizers monitor the hashtag and will retweet and re-post your messages and photos. ”Photo ops are everywhere,” Lussier says. “Costumed walkers love getting their photo with spectators!” Visit www.WinnipegSantaParade.com to sign up for the Parade newsletter, download a Parade route map and parking information, and check for news and updates, which will also be posted on social media.
HOLIDAYS IN WINNIPEG 2016 - 07
Holiday lighting from the 1880’s to today
November 14 to December 29, 2016
Manitoba Electrical Museum & Education Centre 680 Harrow Street,Winnipeg, MB • Free admission and parking Call 204-360-7905 or visit hydro.mb.ca/museum
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