Winner of the Gold Award for "Best Local Event" in the Oakville Beaver's 2006 Readers' Selection Award

Tips from Santa's Workshop for a fabulous entry

Whether you will be a walking entry or will enter a float, here is a suggested guideline to ensure your entry will be a successful one for the 2007 Oakville Santa Claus Parade.

June

• Search through the Oakville Santa Claus parade website for important forms, dates and ideas.

• Have your planning committee in place and begin brainstorming for ideas

• Allocate a budget for your float, approximately $400 - $500

• Nominate a "Head Elf" to oversee the project and ensure all crucial dates are met

• Decide on a design for your float incorporating this year's theme, "Christmas through the Decades"

• Remember to check the website for float requirements and judging criteria

• The Oakville Santa Claus Parade floats are not built by companies, rather by individual community groups, schools and Oakville companies big and small.  Groups "borrow and beg" a truck or flatbed to decorate.  Check out the Astro Parade site for float ideas and materials.

September

• Register your float as there is limited space.  Registration forms will be available in Fall 2007.

• Advertise the event among your organization

• Find volunteers interested in working on the float - designing costumes, props, etc.

• Think about incorporating music into your float - pre-recorded, live etc.

• To keep within your budget, ask members of your organization for any needed supplies (such as fabric, paint, wood, etc.). 

October

• All your elves should be hard at work sewing costumes, painting sets, making props, etc.

• Recruit and finalize all elves to participate on float

• Any live music should be finalized

• Assign a "Clean-up Crew" in place to help dismantle your float after the Parade

November

• First-time Head Elves must attend a mandatory meeting at Town Hall, November 7, 2007 (time TBD) to receive final parade package and instructions - no exceptions

• Hold final "costume fittings"

• Check the Weather Network for appropriate clothing attire on parade day

• Provide float participants with a "Parade Package" outlining the parade route, the drop-off and pick-up areas.  Don't forget to highlight road closures and the importance of arriving at the marshalling area within the designated time.

Parade Day - November 17, 2007

• Check your Parade Package for road closures, for marshalling area, and designated arrival time
• Check your local news and/or the Weather Network for appropriate clothing attire
• Don't forget to bring your Christmas spirit and a big smile!
• Have fun and be merry!

December

• Check the main page of the site for:

  • Parade Float Winners announcement

  • Parade photos

  • Cogeco air dates

• Get your team together and watch the parade with family and friends on Cogeco

• Most important thank you crew!