Owen Sound is set to ring in the holiday season this weekend with festivities planned in the River District, including the annual Santa Claus parade and the official start of the Festival of Northern Lights.
On Saturday, the festive fun will begin at 2 p.m. with the Holiday Magic event in the River District. The street will come alive with buskers, outdoor seating, an illusionist, warming stations, photos with Santa, contests, giveaways, as well as specials and sales at River District businesses.
During the event, 2nd Avenue East will be closed to vehicular traffic between 8th Street East and 11th Street East starting at 1 p.m.
Starting at 5 p.m., the Santa Claus parade will hit the streets and the route will begin near the intersection of 2nd Avenue East and 11th Street East (Metro Grocery Store), traveling south towards City Hall and turning east at the intersection of 8th Street East and 2nd Avenue East, ending at 3rd Avenue East.
Once the parade is over, make your way to the Farmer’s Market area for the opening ceremony of the 34th Festival of Northern Lights event at 6 p.m., with the streets then lighting up at 7 p.m.
Blinkey will be making an appearance with local dignitaries in welcoming the start of the festival, where the count down will begin to hit the lights and launch fireworks.
After the opening festival, the lights will stay on nightly from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. through to Jan. 2.
During this time, other displays and a walking path will be set up at Harrison Park.
If you are looking for a way to end your day, there’s hockey at the Harry Lumley Bayshore Community Centre as the Owen Sound Attack take on the Saginaw Spirit at 7:30 p.m.
Anyone planning on attending these events are asked to follow Covid regulations, including physical distancing and wearing masks.
