Santa's annual visit Saturday

Saint Nick is coming to town Saturday, when the jolly old elf will host the 17th Annual Santa Clause Parade.

This year's event is being themed 'Every Child is a Gift.'

Filled with colourful, festive floats, Christmas décor and cheer, and of course the man-of-the-hour Santa, the parade is guaranteed to mesmerize all who come out to watch.

Penny Sandercock, one of the parade's organizers said the parade was created as a way to kick-off the festive season.

"It is a way of sharing a festive season with the community; giving to those that may not be as fortunate -- small toys/free movies/hotdogs and hot chocolate -- and allowing the local businesses to use that day for Christmas promotions in retail outlets ," she said, adding it has proven very popular. "Hotels have filled up. The Gallagher Centre is used for skating and swimming and the community was a very busy place.

"The day is usually kicked off the Christmas lights on Broadway and Santa's appearances at the Parkland Mall."

Yorkton Exhibition Association, Yorkton Business Improvement District, City of Yorkton and Yorkton Chamber of Commerce join forces to make sure Santa has a bag of goodies to hand out that day too.

GX94 / Fox will provide carols in the park.

And Yorkton Coop has again donated 3000 Candy Canes that will be handed out along the parade Route by the volunteers.

Prior to the parade, hot chocolate, and hot dogs will be served up in the Western Financial City Park, served by the Animal Rescue Team Yorkton.

The Parade will begin at 5:30 pm from the corner of Seventh Avenue South (corner of Ramada Hotel).  It will proceed north; turn left (west) on Broadway St. proceeding West to Laurier Ave (corner of McDonalds, then turn left (south) on Laurier and will disburse on Independent Street.  We ask that people move down Laurier to allow the entire parade to turn the corner off of Broadway.  Those returning to Seventh Ave may do so using Melville Ave to King Street.