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Santa makes grand entrance in Sooke

Sooke Santa Claus Parade makes its way along Sooke Road, beginning at 5 p.m.
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Santa Claus is the guest of honor in a parade this Sunday in Sooke.

For those still wondering if it really is the end of the year, here’s something to shake you awake: the Sooke Santa Claus Parade returns this weekend.

The parade is tonight (Dec. 4) starting at Church and Sooke roads and running along Sooke Road until turning at the corner of Otter Point Road.

Marchers and floats marshal at 4 p.m. in the Sooke Elementary School parking lot. The parade kicks off at 5 p.m., dispersing at the Sooke Community Hall and along Wadams Way.

Expect the usual fun stuff from bright lights, custom floats, wacky costumes and a rich repertoire of Sooke’s most prominent clubs and businesses. Santa is on the No, 3 float, said Lorne Christensen, the parade organizer.

This year, the Sooke Lions Club took over the parade reins from the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s a learning curve for us too, but we’ve been getting as much information from the chamber and others who have participated before, and I think it’ll go OK,” said Christensen.

During and after the parade, there will be hot chocolate and goodies served by Lions, Royal Bank employees and Edward Milne Community School students in tents near the Evergreen Mall kiosk.

Kids activities will be available too.

Not all details are resolved, however, as the Lions still need equipment operators and a band, which Christensen pointed out has been the biggest challenge yet.

Still, so far so good, as they’ve gathered enough participants and volunteers to help run the show.

“I think everybody will be enjoying it,” Christensen said.

Expect road closures and delays along Sooke, Church and Otter Point roads, which will have volunteers and Sooke RCMP officers help with traffic control.