November 19, 2021 3:50pm
The holiday season is set to begin on Saturday, November 20, 2021, in Owen Sound!
This year, the Kiwanis Santa Claus parade will begin at 5:00 p.m. followed by the opening ceremony for the Festival of Northern Lights at 7:00 p.m.
And the River District is hosting its Holiday Magic event on Saturday as well.
The Holiday Magic event will run from 2 p.m. until 9 p.m. and includes buskers, outdoor seating, an illusionist, warming stations, photos with Santa, contests, giveaways, with specials and sales at many River District businesses.
The River District will be hosting the Coca-Cola Canada Holiday Truck Tour behind City Hall after the parade. This is the first time this truck has been in Canada since 1995 and a first for Owen Sound. The Honey Hammers will take the Farmers’ Market stage following the opening of the Festival of Northern Lights to close out the evening.
2nd Avenue East will be closed to vehicular traffic between 8th Street East and 11th Street East starting at 1 p.m. for festivities. All streets will remain open except for the duration of the Santa Claus Parade which takes to the street at 5 p.m. Alternative free parking can be located on the City of Owen Sound website.
This year the River District’s Holiday Magic event, the Kiwanis Santa Claus Parade, and the Festival of Northern Lights are working together to bring Owen Sound an all-in-one family kick-off to the holidays.
These celebrations will include road closures and detours.
Beginning at 1:00 p.m. 2nd Avenue East will be closed from 8th Street East to 11th Street East. The intersections and side streets along 2nd Avenue East will remain open until the parade begins.
Beginning at 2:00 p.m. 1st Avenue West and 1st Avenue East will be closed from 8th Street to 9th Street.
Parking will be available on 2nd Avenue East from 8th Street East to 11th Street East and in Municipal Parking Lot #1 located behind City Hall until 1:00 p.m. only. All vehicles are to be removed by 1:30 p.m. to avoid being towed.
Parking will be available along 1st Avenue West and 1st Avenue East from 8th Street to 9th Street until 2:00 p.m. only.
Drivers are asked to use Parking Lot #5 located in the 800 Block of 3rd Avenue East and Parking Lot #4 located in the 900 Block of 3rd Avenue East. Parking is also available in Parking Lot 8 & 9 in the 700 block along 1st Avenue East and Parking Lot 2 in the 900 block of 1st Avenue West.
The Brooke Route will detour around the Festival of Northern Lights on 8th Street East and 2nd Avenue East crossing the Sydenham River at 9th Street rather than 8th Street beginning at 2:00 p.m. until the end of the day.
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