Holidays in Winnipeg | 2014

in Winnipeg ❆ ❆

Saturday, november 15, 2014 Camerata Nova Concert 2:30pm, Manitoba Hydro Place Santa’s Block Parties Begin at 4:00pm Santa Claus Parade Begin at 5:00pm For more info go to WinnipegSantaParade.com

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SUPPLEMENT TO THE WINNIPEG FREE PRESS | SaTURday, NOvEMbER 8, 2014

10 TH 10 ANNIVERSARY

November 17, 2014 through to January 8, 2015

�� Extended holiday hours 680 Harrow Street, Winnipeg, MB Call 204-360-7905 for details or visit www.hydro.mb.ca/museum

Holiday lighting from the 1880s to now

in Winnipeg

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By Wendy King Tradition A Family Celebrate the parade’s 105 th year Santa loves a parade, and he’ll be spreading cheer right here in Winnipeg on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 5 p.m. Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade executive director Ron Mark is chuffed about all the great stuff happening both before and during the happy march. “We’re really excited about the parade! It’s the 105th year of the parade running in downtown Winnipeg,” he says. “One of the things that really excites me is that it is such a family tradition.” Mark says grandparents bring the grandkids to the same street corners they stood on as children and share memories of parades from decades past. “It’s amazing how many people really treasure the memory of actually being in the parade — there are hundreds and hundreds of people that were in the parade and that remember it,” he says. Eaton’s department store threw Winnipeg’s first Santa Claus Parade in 1909. It trooped on until 1965, when Captain George Smith of the East Kildonan Fire Department — acting on behalf of the Winnipeg Firefighters Club — bought the parade from Eaton’s for $1.50. Since then, the parade has belonged to the community, run by volunteers from such organizations as the Win- nipeg Jaycees (now JCI Winnipeg), and the Winnipeg Parade Committee. In 2006, the parade was rolled into a mega-event when the Grey Cup came to Winnipeg, and JCI Winnipeg, the City of Winnipeg and Manitoba Hydro joined forces. In 2007, the parade became a night-time event known as the Power Smart / JCI Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade. And in 2012, the Winnipeg Parade Committee became a year-round presence to guide and produce the event. With a year-round board, the parade continues to grow and innovate. “Many of the entries that have come in year after year work at changing their entries around or adding to them, so the parade really does have a nice new sparkly look every year,” Mark says. There are also about 20 new entries in the 2014 parade, including the Dugald School marching band, which will be up front to help lead it off. There’s even something new and different about the Grand Marshal. “Actually this year it’s plural — Grand Marshals. We have Team Jennifer Jones, the Olympic Gold Medal-winning curling team from Winnipeg!” Jennifer Jones, Kaitlyn Lawes, Jill Officer and Dawn Askin will be joined by junior curlers, many of them from the St. Vital curling club, Team Jones’ home rink. “With the Grand Marshal, we always like to recognize some of the local people who are involved with youth and who have also done the community proud, and we think that Team Jones is a great example,” Mark says.

Participants treasure memories of past parades. Photo courtesy of Manitoba Hydro

Eaton’s department store threw Winnipeg’s first Santa Claus Parade in 1909. It trooped on until 1965, when Captain George Smith of the East Kildonan Fire Department — acting on behalf of the Winnipeg Firefighters Club — bought the parade from Eaton’s for $1.50. Since then, the parade has belonged to the community, run by volunteers from such organizations as the Winnipeg Jaycees (now JCI Winnipeg),

Another major change is that instead of having fireworks at The Forks after the parade, there will be pyrotechnics at three locations along the parade route — close to the start near Memorial Boulevard and Portage Avenue, midway by Portage Place and close to the end of the route at Portage and Main. “We decided this year that we would try some- thing new and exciting,” Mark says. “The displays are called Close Proximity Pyrotechnics and they’ll be set off as Santa passes by those positions in the parade. So as Santa goes by there will be the py- rotechnic display and then as he moves down the route it will signal the end of the parade for that section of the route.” Parade organizers have been working closely with Archangel Fireworks to produce spectacular effects at key locations. “We’re quite excited to be able to give the oppor- tunity to see the pyrotechnics to everybody who comes out to see the parade.” At the end of the of day, it’s really about the excite- ment for the families and the volunteers who come out and create memories on parade day. “One of the things that we’ve tried to do in the last few years is really encourage any organization or groups that want to get an entry in, to get costumed walkers to walk beside their floats,” Mark says. “One entry might have up to 40 or 50 walkers that come along with them, and it’s a great experi- ence walking down that parade route and looking into the crowd and seeing all those wonderful smil- ing faces of the children.” ❅

and the Winnipeg Parade Committee.

02 - holidays in winnipeg 2014

in Winnipeg

Making the Magic Parade needs all hands — and feet — on deck By Wendy King

the light stuff Keep the fun going after the parade, and head to the Manitoba Hydro Gallery for the Festival of Trees and Lights from Nov. 18 - 28. A fundraiser for the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation and Gardens Manitoba, the festival features a draw for one of 40 beautifully decorated Christmas trees and 25 wreaths, along with special activities, including a visit from the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and Nutcracker star Filbert Bear on Family Day Nov. 22. There’s another fabulous holiday display at the Manitoba Electrical Mu- seum & Education Centre at 680 Harrow St. Free exhibit All That Glows: Then and Now, showcases holiday lighting from the 1880s to the pres- ent, with trees adorned according to specific eras. Museum administrator Kim Larcombe says this is the 10th anniversary of the event and it has become one of Winnipeg’s must-see holiday tradi- tions over the course of the decade. “We have a large collection of holiday lights and decorations that have been donated over the years,” she says. “It’s quite spectacular.” Outdoors, the 1931 electrical substation building is decked out with wreaths and poinsettias and LED lights. Visitors enter the building by walking through a 10-foot wreath, glittering with lights. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for people to visit holiday memories from the past, and maybe discover some new ones for the future,” says Larcombe. All That Glows runs from Nov. 17 - Jan. 8. Regular hours are Monday to Thursday from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., with extended hours on Wednes- days and Saturdays in December. Call 204-360-7905, or visit www. hydro.mb.ca/museum for more information. ❅

It takes a village to build a parade — actually, it takes a whole city, and a lot of generous people and organizations. “Without the support of our sponsors, we just couldn’t produce an event of the high quality and calibre that we have here in Winnipeg,” says Ron Mark, executive director of the Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade. “They contribute in many substantial and positive ways, from financial support to gifts in kind to letting us use personnel to work to put the parade together.” Manitoba Hydro is proud to be the title sponsor, says Jackie Britton, marketing representative for Manitoba Hydro and volunteer coordinator for the parade. “Our first official Festival Parade was 1999 with the Festival of Lights Parade, and then years later we amal- gamated the two parades and that’s how the Santa Claus Parade became a night-time parade,” she says. Manitoba Hydro has two seats on the Santa Claus Pa- rade Board, filled by Britton and Gary Shingleton, and Britton says Hydro is “all hands on deck” when it comes to the parade, with five entries and a team of volunteers who come from the ranks and the retirees. “We have our Electrosaurus float; we have a beautiful Sugar Plum Fairy float with 45 or so costumed volun- teer walkers. We have the horse and carriage, which is our Cinderella entry with costumed walkers, and three antique vehicles.” Since floats can be accompanied by costumed walkers, many Manitoba Hydro employees are able to partici- pate with their families. And if they’re not walking, they

are helping out in other ways. “We have in total about 100 Hydro volunteers that bring out their families to come and help out on parade day,” Britton says. They do everything from working the Host-a-Block parties to handing out cookies, hot chocolate and song sheets at the Camerata Nova concert, which will take place in the Manitoba Hydro Gallery from 2:30 p.m. - to 3:30 p.m. on parade day. Volunteers will also be helping out at the VIP reception. Some teams start getting organized in August, and Britton says there are many unsung heroes who get the floats ready for parade day. “They are out there stringing the lights and making sure that there is gas in the vehicle, that all the music works on them, that they look good and they are all shiny and ready to roll for the parade.” She’s had a couple of fellows retire this year and they are sorely missed at work, especially by fellow staffer Harald Strom. “Like most retirees, Doug Atamanchuk and Brent Mc- Sorley just have things in their heads, things that are just understood, and you never realize just how much information they carry,” she says. “I just want to say how proud I am that so many Mani- toba Hydro employees come out and volunteer.” ❅

Costumed parade walkers are an added attraction. Photo courtesy of Manitoba Hydro

holidays in winnipeg 2014 - 03

in Winnipeg

Bringing Cheer Santa Claus Parade to the The Santa Claus Parade and the Christmas Cheer Board are perfect partners.

as gifts for all the children. In ad- dition to donated gifts and other goodies, Madsen says the Cheer Board needs to raise approximately $850,000 to cover additional items it purchases. “Approximately half of everything

the Cheer Board will participate in the parade, and families are invited to bring an unwrapped toy or hamper item to drop off at the host-a-Block party tents along the parade route.

The Cheer Board will participate in the parade, and families are invited to bring an unwrapped toy or ham- per item to drop off at the Host-a-Block party tents along the parade route. “The Santa Claus Parade provides a very real op- portunity for our community to come together and enjoy the caring and warmth for which Winnipeg is so well known,” says Cheer Board executive director Kai Madsen. Last year, the organization provided Winnipeg fami- lies with 18,218 hampers packed with all the items nec- essary for a traditional Christmas celebration. Madsen says this total represents assistance to almost 50,000 people, with children making up half that number. “We expect the need will be very close to the number of families we looked after last year,” he says. The Cheer Board has been a huge part of the an- nual celebration of Christmas in Winnipeg since 1919. Hampers include Christmas turkeys as well

needed for the hampers is purchased by the Cheer Board — the balance is donated by individuals, businesses, clubs, churches and others,” he says. The Cheer Board website at www.christmascheer- board.ca has a list of most-needed non-perishable items such as canned fruit, canned meat, canned fish and pastas, along with more information about how individuals and organizations can help. “Since this is a Christmas hamper, we also need things like nuts, candies and chocolate,” Mad- sen says. “In addition, we also need toys and gifts for the older children in the 10 to 14 years age range.” ❅

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Choose-A-BloCk And Join the PArty

Host-a-Block for Santa Block Parties run from 4 p.m - 5 p.m. on every block along the Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade route. Visit www.win- nipegsantaparade.com to Choose-a-Block online, or stop by the Host-a- Block tent on each block to check out activities.

Here are the hosts you can expect to see, along with teams

Corus Radio Winnipeg Good to Memorial

Manitoba Hydro Edmonton to Carlton Become one of the game pieces with the giant Energy Game and write a letter to Santa. Children’s Advocate Carlton to Hargrave Join the youth outreach team from VOICES: Manitoba’s Youth in Care Network for games

Sport Manitoba Smith to Garry Sport Manitoba has got game — and lots of activi- ties to keep the kids busy. Shaw & Global Garry to Fort (including the court- yard at 201 Portage) Dance with the Shaw Bear, do Zumba with Karla and see a Living Fairytale with special appearances by princesses and superheroes. Energy 106, Jewel 101 & CKJS 810 Portage and Main Join a Frozen-themed dance party with performances by Exhale Dance Studio, appearances

International Children’s Festival. See young jugglers and stilt walkers from the Canadian Circus Arts Club, see and hear a barbershop quartet and enjoy free hot chocolate and face painting. Portage Place Mall & Festival of Trees and Lights Kennedy to Edmonton Take a shot at a street hockey net and win prizes! Decorate an ornament for the Portage Place commu- nity tree for the Festival of Trees and Lights and join a street dance party featuring special appearances with giveaways and candy canes.

from Anna and Elsa from Winnipeg Princess Parties, free pizza from Pizza Hotline and hot chocolate from Tim Hortons. Representatives from the Salvation Army Toy Moun- tain campaign will be on hand to provide informa- tion on their upcoming Christmas toy drive. Other hosts include

of volunteers: CBC Manitoba Young to Spence

Join 99.1 Fresh FM, 680 CJOB, and Power 97 on- air personalities and make Christmas cards or get your picture taken at the festive photo booth. FIFA Women’s World Cup Canada 2015 Memorial to Vaughan Take part in street soccer matches, get a photo with mascot Shuéme and enjoy giveaways and free warm drinks. Great West Life Vaughan to Kennedy Great-West Life is proud to partner with the Winnipeg

CBC’s Marcy Markusa and John Sauder will be giving away noise-makers, toques, mitts and seat warmers. Take part in children’s games and activities along with curling fun with CBC’s Trevor Dineen and

the University of Winnipeg, MTS, Canad Inns, Scotiabank and Kitchen Craft.

and activities Canad Inns Donald to Smith

Terry MacLeod. JCI Winnipeg

Keep warm with a cup of hot chocolate, decorate a Christmas cookie, play games and write a letter to Santa.

Balmoral to Good Enjoy a game of street hockey, hot chocolate and treats.

Learn more about Host-a-Block for Santa parties at winnipegsantaparade.com.

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There are three special- needs seating areas for people with mobility is- sues at the parade. Indoor seating areas will be avail- able in the skywalk over Vaughan Street and at MTS Centre, near the Tim- othy Eaton statue. Outdoor seating is available near the bleachers at the Uni- versity of Winnipeg. People with special needs can register online at www. winnipegsantaparade.com to receive a free ticket for themselves and one guest. Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade executive direc- tor Ron Mark says there are also “yield to special needs areas” along the pa- rade route. “Anyone with mobility is- sues or any other chal- lenges can report to the Host-a-Block or just see any of the No Feet On the Street people and there will be a viewing area at the front of the crowd at all intersections along the parade route.” ❅

Heroes and Helpers A sAlute to pArAde volunteers Santa has many helpers during the Winnipeg Santa Claus Parade — around 800 of them. Jackie Britton, marketing representative for Manitoba Hydro and parade volunteer coordinator, says there are many wonderful people who help out, and some are real standouts. “There was one particular volunteer that showed up, kind of late to the game, and she said, ‘Just throw me into a position, whatever you want me to do, I will do,’ ” Britton says. That volunteer turned out to be so reliable and so able to step up that Britton decided she wasn’t going to let her go. Now, Andriana Demchuk not only sits on the board, she is the chief organizer for the Host-a-Block parties. “She’s the one who’s actually built up the host-a-blocks to what they are today,” Britton says. Another volunteer who has a special place in Britton’s heart is Ken Guilford, who claims to be the oldest volunteer participating. “Ken signed up for the parade when we still had flag-bearers, and he showed up for the parade with his walker,” she says. “I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, did I ever mess up on his placement! He’s got to carry this flag in the parade!’ ” But Guilford insisted that walking was what he wanted to do, and walk he did, with the flag duct-taped to his walker. “The next year we made him a flag bearer and we duct-taped the flag to his walker again and he was so happy to be able to do that,” Britton says. “The last two years, he’s now become a cos- tumed walker and this year he will be one of the hot dogs!” Britton says the aim is to give everyone an opportunity to volunteer, and there are a variety of jobs for people of all ages with all kinds of skills. Volunteers help with parking at the Great West Life lot, marshall floats, run warmup areas and act as costumed walkers who bring spirit to the parade. And many volunteers help out at the Host-a-Block for Santa parties and the No Feet on the Street patrol. “There are 17 block parties all along the parade route and some of them are so fantastic and I’m so excited about them,” Britton says. “Everybody is really stepping it up this year, so I really recommend that spectators go online and figure out where their best fit is for the day because there are some really fabulous block parties.” By Wendy King

Volunteers make sure the parade is fun and safe for everyone. Photo courtesy of Manitoba Hydro

The block parties started as a way to help keep the kids busy while they waited for the parade to start, but they have also been instrumental in helping to keep the streets clear for float drivers, who have limited visibility. “We thought, ‘Let’s use the parties to build rela- tionships with everybody, have fun with them and then they will be a little bit more eager to step back,’ ” Britton says. It’s a fun strategy that works in tandem with the No Feet on the Street program. Volunteers dressed in bright yellow safety vests patrol the parade route to ensure everyone maintains a safe distance from floats. “It’s still having fun with the crowds and while be- ing very nice and very polite, it’s really worked at keeping the spectators safe,” Britton says. It’s pretty easy to feel warm and fuzzy about this group of volunteers, a group Britton describes as a family. “So many people come back, it’s wonderful, and I love, love, love to see that, and I love to see new people too, because they come with fresh ideas,” she says. “But I’m so proud to know that we have such a huge return of volunteers and we really have be- come such a wonderful family, and thank you to all of them!” ❅

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holidays in winnipeg 2014 - 07

10 TH ANNIVERSARY

Holiday lighting from the 1880s to now

November 17, 2014 through to January 8, 2015 Free admission and parking Extended holiday hours 680 Harrow Street, Winnipeg, MB Call 204-360-7905 for details or visit www.hydro.mb.ca/museum

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