THIRD ANNUAL MISSISSAUGA SANTA CLAUS PARADE IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER

Written by Ian Colpitts – Mississauga News

It’s that time of year again. The Erin Mills Auto Centre and The Mississauga News are set to host the third annual Mississauga Santa Claus Parade on Sunday, Dec. 1 at the Erin Mills Auto Centre.

“There is no experience more rewarding than watching the joy on a child’s face the moment they spot Santa Claus arriving during the parade,” said Gautam Sharma, advertising and marketing director of The Mississauga News.

“It’s a holiday tradition, which puts smiles on children’s faces and makes memories that last a lifetime.”

The parade will run from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Attendees can arrive as early as 11 a.m. to claim their spots on the parade route.

Organizers are expecting a crowd of more than 30,000 people, as well as over 1,500 participants and 25 walking groups in the parade. There will also be more than 15 custom designed floats with seasonal themes such as winter wonderland, sports fantasy, toy land and more.

The parade will begin at the intersection of Dunwin Drive and Glen Erin Drive. It will run through a 1.2-kilometre route along Glen Erin Drive, Motorway Boulevard and Woodchester Drive.

Businesses along Motorway Boulevard will be open with complimentary hot chocolate, light refreshments and full access to changing, feeding, and washroom facilities throughout the parade.

The event will also support several charitable organizations, including the Mississauga Food Bank, United Way Greater Toronto, Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, MADD and the Breakfast with Santa Fund.

Organizers suggest attendees use public transit to get to the parade. There will be limited street parking available on Dunwin Drive, east of Glen Erin Drive.

Visit mississaugasantaclausparade.com for more information and a list of road closures that will be in effect from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.