Barrhaven Lions prepare for annual parade
Posted Oct 30, 2009 By Kimberly Lochhead
Email
Print
Tweet This
Click to Enlarge
EMC Events The Barrhaven Lions Club is once again bringing Santa Claus to the community for more candy cane giving and Christmas delights at the annual Light Up the Night parade on Nov. 15. 
File
Students from Sir Winston Churchill Public School march along during a previous Barrhaven Christmas parade. This year's event is set for Nov. 15.
Currently, the organization is looking for more floats to be involved, as well as responsible individuals aged 19 years and up to volunteer for security duties. On average, the parade sees about 50 floats involved.
The first parade originated in Nepean and included the former Nepean Lions, Barrhaven Lions and Nepean firefighters. The parade travelled down Centrepointe Dr. and was eventually relocated, as it grew too large for the location.
Margaret Tucker, chairperson of the 2009 parade committee and second vice-president of the Barrhaven Lions was instrumental in organizing Nepean's first Santa Claus parade.
"It wasn't really a lot of work the first time," she explained. "We knew what we wanted to do and advertised. People were excited and enjoyed the fact that they didn't have to go downtown to the Ottawa parade. It was just motivation to keep doing it."
Now in its 13th year, the parade has increased in size over the years and has since teamed up with the Barrhaven Business Improvement Area. The relatively new partnership allows the Lions to extend involvement to local businesses while still keeping the event locally based, maintaining a truly community experience. The collaboration also enabled organizers to enhance the production of the parade for the children, their main focus.
"It's been wonderful over the years and has grown and grown, especially with more local businesses participating," added Ms. Tucker.
"At the beginning, I couldn't see it would be the size it is now."
The route this year extends from Beatrice Rd. to Strandherd Dr. with a new end location at the Canadian Tire parking lot at Strandherd Dr. and Greenbank Rd. to provide enough space for floats.
Jim Duff, past governor of the Barrhaven Lions Club will again assume the role of parade marshall this year. He manages the entire layout of the parade, ensuring it follows the planned route and starts on time, among many other coordinating duties.
The Barrhaven Lions Club will also be collecting cash and food donations for the Family Services Association of Churches, which provides emergency food assistance to local families and the Barrhaven Food Cupboard. Last year, the Lions accumulated more than 8,500 lbs of non-perishable food items, which accounted for a 42% increase from the previous year. In addition, the club collected $1,800 in cash.
Ms. Tucker said the parade is a fun-filled event for all ages, as residents get a chance to see Santa Claus and embrace the spirit of Christmas.
"It's our way of saying thanks to the community for the support they have given us for all our events during the year," explained Ms. Tucker. "This is our way of serving as our motto is 'We Serve.' We do go to the public for donations for other groups so we want to thank them for their generosity."
The parade begins at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15. Individuals interested in volunteering for security duties are asked to contact Margaret Tucker at 613-226-8085.
