Holiday lights and sounds to take over Sudbury’s downtown Saturday for Santa Claus Parade

With a little bit of Holiday magic, Saint Nicholas will be visiting several northern communities this weekend for annual Santa Claus parades.

There are just two more sleeps until Sudbury’s event, with final touches being made on Santa’s float, which is always at the end of the parade.

There are just two more sleeps until Sudbury’s event, with final touches being made on Santa’s float, which is always at the end of the parade. (Angela Gemmill/CTV News)

"Our theme this year of course is the Lights and Sounds of Christmas. That’s what we want. We want the lights and sounds and the joy to be expressed," said parade committee vice-chair Rick Carr.

With so many moving parts, Carr said safety is always a big priority, including a yearly reminder to participants to not throw candy from floats.

"Kids get excited, so we do encourage the floats and remind them of that every parade to not throw the candy," he said.

There are 68 entrants for the evening parade, which starts with fireworks at 5:15 p.m.

This year’s honourary chair is CTV Northern Ontario anchor Ian Campbell, who is also one of five judges of the float entries.

"I’m so honoured," Campbell said.

This year’s honourary chair is CTV Northern Ontario anchor Ian Campbell, who is also one of five judges of the float entries. (Angela Gemmill/CTV News)

"It’s unreal. I mean seeing this parade as many times as I have over the years and knowing what a big tradition this is in the city. I am so ready for it. I am so ready to see Santa Claus and I hope I do downtown Sudbury proud."

"I’m a big fan of the lights. I love seeing the fireworks. I love seeing the flashiness,” he added.

Getting in on the theme of lights and sounds is Sudbury Wolves owner Dario Zulich, who also owns the Pearl Street water tower.

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The night of the parade, he plans to show off what he is calling the world’s largest goal light – set to light up after every Wolves’ goal at Sudbury Arena.

"It’s our gift back to the city," Zulich said, calling it Sudbury’s version of the CN tower.

"It’s like mood lighting for our city -- and year-round. It could be used during the Day of Reconciliation orange; it could be used at Easter yellow, St Patrick’s Day green, Christmas of course. It could be used for any event that has colour associated with it."

Saturday is a busy day for Santa. Not only will he be featured at the end of Sudbury’s parade, but he’s also the special guest for Santa Claus parades in Timmins and Sault Ste Marie.

He’ll have to use some of his Santa magic to help with his busy schedule.