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Parade ready to roll Sunday night

Lake Cowichan’s festive procession is back for its second-straight year
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Amber Mckigney

Come one, come all to the Christmas parade!

Lake Cowichan’s festive procession is back for its second-straight year, taking off from Neva Road no later than 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 29, and ending at the Visitor Centre at Saywell Park on South Shore Road.

Thus far, 17 floats and walking groups have confirmed their participation in the parade.

More are welcome to join in.

It’s free, but registration is important. Find the Christmas Parade sign-up papers at cowichanlake.ca under the Events Calendar tab.

The deadline has been extended to Nov. 26 to allow for more entries.

On the big night, corporate sponsor Country Grocer will have the duty of transporting the precious cargo, Santa himself, on its float in the parade, according to Katherine Worsley, coordinator of the Cowichan Lake Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Business Centre.

Following the parade, “Our dignitaries, our local politicians, will be at the Christmas tree to do the lighting with Santa Claus,” Worsley said.

That’s expected to happen at      6 p.m.

Those who wish to have a visit with the Big Guy after will have the opportunity to do so but be sure to bring your camera to capture the moment.

Lake Cowichan Country Grocer will not just be transporting Santa, but will also be putting smiles on the faces of many with free Christmas treats like sugar cookies and candy canes and oranges, and hot chocolate.

“I hope the weather stands because last year we had a beautiful day but it was cold,” Worsley said. “So far it’s looking good.”

She encourages folks to dress warmly, wearing gloves and adding extra socks if need be.

Because there will be lots to see and do and it would be disappointing to be too cold to take it all in.

For those looking to multi-task, vendors will be out at the North Pole Christmas Market, under the gazebo behind the Visitor Centre for gift buying.

There you’ll find wonderful homemade crafts and goodies sure to be a hit with your loved ones — or as a special treat to yourself!

Also for the shoppers in the crowd is a chance to win a $50 gift certificate.

Pick up a Shopping Passport at the Visitor Centre on Friday,  Nov. 27.

Then, between Nov. 29 and        Dec. 5 shop at participating businesses. Have your passport signed and drop it in the box at the Visitor Centre for your chance to win. The draw will be made at the Gazette office at              1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 9.