The word is out – Santa will be at the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre on Sunday for “Santa’s Drive-By Celebration.”
This first-time Drive-By Santa parade in Belleville has come about because of the COVID-19 restrictions, causing the Belleville Chamber of Commerce to switch from the annual Santa Claus parade in the downtown.
Chamber Special Events Coordinator Susan Walsh tells Quinte News the parade is designed in cooperation with the public health unit and follows strict rules.
“It’s a difficult year. A lot of people have suffered a lot of hardship. We’re just trying to bring a little bit of joy in as safe ways we possibly can.”
No pedestrians are being allowed and there will be parade marshals at the entrance to enforce that rule.
Walsh says, “People will have to drive north on Cannifton Road, turn right into the Sports Centre area, and pass by five parking lots with floats and entertainment.”
People can make donations to Gleaners Food Bank and Firefighters Toy Drive as they drive through.
Walsh explains further, “There will be police personnel and marshals surrounding the areas to keep people off. It is a very strict COVID regulation that we have with the health unit. We have to abide by a lot of regulations. We are prepared to do that and we know we can still provide family fun but you must be in your vehicle. You must stay in your vehicle at all times while on the property. If you do not drive or have mobility issues there are Santa’s free shuttle buses that are being put together by Belleville Transit … with current COVID regulations 30 people on can get on each bus. They start travelling at 4:45 Sunday afternoon from Quinte Mall transfer area by the Winners entrance or from the downtown terminal on Pinnacle Street.”
For more information you can go the the city website HERE
