109th Annual Santa Claus Parade and First Annual Holly Jolly Fun Run
TORONTO, Nov. 5, 2013 /CNW/ - The Santa Claus Parade is celebrating its 109th year and is sure to inspire more merry memories. Today, Santa Claus himself revealed exciting Parade details from his top-secret workshop, including a dazzling array of floats and a fun new fundraising initiative designed to help support the cherished tradition.
The Parade will take place on Sunday, November 17, 2013 beginning at 12:30 p.m. Children and adults alike will line the streets of Toronto to ring in this year's holiday season, see the awe-inspiring new floats and experience the magic of Santa Claus.
"So much thought, dedication, and hard-work goes into creating the Santa Claus Parade floats each year," says Alf Iannarelli, Santa Claus Parade General Manager and Creative Director. "It's such a special moment seeing the floats come to life for the crowds to enjoy on Parade day."
For the first time ever, Toronto runners have the opportunity to lead the way for Santa Claus in the first annual Holly Jolly Fun Run. The five-kilometre run will take place on Sunday, November 17th at 12 p.m. (a half-hour before the Parade kicks off) with thousands of people cheering on the participants from the sidelines!
"Many people are surprised to hear that the Santa Claus Parade does not receive any public funding," says Peter Beresford, Santa Claus Parade President. "The Holly Jolly Fun Run is a great new addition to the ongoing festivities that allows the public to help support the Parade, and continue to bring holiday joy to our city."
Cost of entry for the Holly Jolly Fun Run is $100 per participant and runners will be provided with a red toque and mittens to help them show off their festive spirit. The run is limited to 2,000 participants this year, with all proceeds supporting the Parade. Those who sign up for the run will also receive a charitable tax receipt in return for their support.
"The Holly Jolly Fun Run is sure to be the most fun run in Toronto and is such a merry addition to this year's Parade," says Santa Claus, in town from the North Pole. "It will be so magical for thousands of people to cheer on the fantastic runners and see everyone dressed in their most festive attire!"
The Santa Claus Parade will travel the same route this year, beginning at Bloor and Christie, along Bloor to University, travelling down University to Wellington and ending at the intersection of Front and Jarvis Streets at the St. Lawrence Market. The Santa Claus Parade airs Sunday, Nov. 17 at 4:30 p.m. ET on CTV (5:30-7 p.m. AT on CTV Two Atlantic).
About The Santa Claus Parade
The Santa Claus Parade is the largest children's parade in North America and largest outdoor entertainment event held in Canada every year. More information on the Parade, including even more exciting Parade details, can be found at www.thesantaclausparade.com.
Image with caption: "Santa and Mrs. Claus announce the highlights of the 109th annual Santa Claus Parade!" (CNW Group/The Santa Claus Parade)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131105_C9609_PHOTO_EN_32846.jpg
SOURCE: The Santa Claus Parade
For more information or interview requests, please contact:
Melanie Filipp
Harbinger
416-960-5100 x 246
[email protected]
Additional information is available at www.thesantaclausparade.com/media, password: 2013PARADE
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