Parade floats, holiday fun available at Centennial Park Sunday evening

A7

By Brent Mazerolle
Times & Transcript Staff

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Ever wish the annual Greater Moncton Santa Claus Parade would slow down long enough so you could really get a good look at Santa's float? Curious this year to get a better look at Santa's Workshop, the parade's newest float?

You're in luck. For the first time, Santa's float and the new workshop float will be available for public viewing at an event outside of the annual parade.

On Sunday evening from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. the two floats will be at Centennial Park for a free public event aimed at giving families a chance to get out in the fresh winter air and enjoy some Christmas cheer.

And bring your camera. The City of Moncton's Raymond "Boom" Melanson says a crew is building a ramp this week to allow kids a chance to pose for pictures inside Santa's sleigh, maybe even with old St. Nick himself, who's expected to make an appearance.

A co-operative project organized by City of Moncton staff, Tim Hortons, the Greater Moncton Street Rodders and the Atlantic Nationals Automotive Extravaganza, the event will also feature Christmas music and free hot chocolate and coffee.

Melanson says it's the first time they've tried such an event, but he thinks they might have a hit on their hands.

It's hoped the event, which will be held near the tennis courts by the park's main entrance, will also encourage people to get out and explore the trails and the rest of the park as well. Should snow come between now and then, Melanson said it would also be a chance to do some sledding.

Further details should come as the week progresses and the weather forecast develops. Snow for the weekend would be perfect, but a blizzard would likely cancel the event. If however, Mother Nature has messy weather of another kind in mind, the city has a backup plan.

"If it's raining, we'll move it to Agrena C at the Moncton Coliseum," Melanson said yesterday.