Ways to Get Involved

There are many different ways to get involved.

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Enter a Float

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Apply to Volunteer

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Become a Supporter

Decorate a float
& light up the night!

To enter a float into the 2023 Parade, please click the button below. If you have any questions, reach out to:

The application deadline is November 14th, 2023.

 
 

Criteria for Winning Floats
Santa Day Parade Fenelon Falls 2023

Parade Theme:
“Light Up the Night”

Here are some helpful tips:

  • Use (lots of) lights

  • Consider the overall appearance of your float

  • Don’t forget the smaller details too

  • Try to include something original or creative that other floats don’t have

  • Be mindful of the people participating on the float

  • Consider how you appeal to the crowd

  • Use music to tie your theme together

  • Decorate the vehicle pulling the float

We are looking forward to another great day and parade this year. The night time parade starts promptly at 5 pm and travels 2 kilometres, from one end of Fenelon Falls to the other. Please see maps for details.

Please let us know as soon as possible if you will be entering the parade this year.  It is a first come first serve basis.

Once again, this year the parade has no specific theme. It is all about lights, lights and more lights. So you can light up the night with a theme of your choice. Your float decor is only limited to your imagination.

The prizes are:

  1. $400

  2. $200

  3. $100

Prior to the parade we will contact you with your registration number.

YOU WILL STILL NEED TO REGISTER ON THE DAY OF THE PARADE.

If you are putting your float in position early and then dropping off people before the parade starts they should be in position by 4:15 p.m. If the lineup area is busy they may have to walk in from Ellice Street or Murray Street at West Street. (During lineup, West Street will be one way so you should enter from Elliot Street). If you have children on your float whose parents will be picking them up after the Parade they should be notified floats will turn left on Prince’s St and left on John, so you should probably have them stay on the floats until they get back to the area of the Arena to arrange pick up. If walkers are being picked up at Ball park, vehicles must be at the park by 4:45 p.m.

Have fun!

Calling all elves!

We need your help.

 

SHARE THE MEMORIES – BE A VOLUNTEER

The Santa Day event is about bringing people together to celebrate one of the most magical times of the year and many volunteers are required. We have a core group of approximately 200 dedicated volunteers who donate many hours each year to put Santa Day together. We need outgoing and dynamic individuals to work the daytime events and at night to wear the character costumes or carry signs or assist with parade logistics.

NOTE: HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS CAN ALSO USE THE HOURS TO MEET THE MINISTRY-REQUIRED 40 HOURS OF COMMUNITY SERVICE.

General Description of Duties for Volunteers

We are looking for people who are willing to assist in daytime activities or are able to walk the entire length of the parade route (approx. 2 KM) without direct supervision. Requirements include:

  • You must be able to accept directions well

  • Wear costumes at the parade as well at daytime activities

  • Be prepared to be over-run by children seeking your acknowledgement

  • Be outgoing and interact with the children

  • Parade Characters are required to smile constantly, be dramatic, and shake children’s hands

  • Be courteous at all times

  • Complete required application form

The specifics

Volunteer Specifics
Daytime Volunteers

You will be dressed in appropriate costumes and makeup. Expect to be mobbed by young children wanting to interact with you. You must be friendly, outgoing and prepared to smile. Your duties will vary depending on the specific activity you are assigned to. Work time 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Dressers: You are friendly individuals who are willing to assist in preparing all the costumed characters for the parade. We are looking for a couple of people to help with fittings Friday night and Saturday morning. Parade dressing commences at 1:00 pm on the Saturday.

Makeup: You are a creative individual and able to be expressive in applying makeup to both the daytime and nighttime characters. Daytime makeup is from 9:00 am to 10:30 am & the make up for the parade commencing at 1:00 pm.

Street Characters: Be at the Fenelon Falls Community Centre on Saturday November 25 at 10:15 am to get your costume on. You will be bused to the spot where you start up town at 11:00 am.

Characters, some face painters, and helpers that are returning to the Community Centre to be in the Parade will be picked up the corner near the Bank of Montreal at Colborne St. at 3:15 pm.

Night Time Volunteers

Parade Set Up: Early Saturday morning we need assistance placing the parade detour signs, road closures and “no parking” signs. This takes a corps of volunteers approx 2 hours. We meet at approx 7:30 am for coffee, then get our assignments.

Parade Marshals (18 years of age and older: These volunteers will assist in forming up the parade ensuring that all floats, walking groups and characters are in the proper starting position. Once the parade commences they walk with their section ensuring the crowds are kept away from the floats and making certain the parade keeps moving.

Bus Marshals: You will assist in loading and off loading the parade characters at their proper location along the parade lineup route. You’ll then proceed with the bus to the dispersal area and prepare to again load the characters for the return trip to the dressing location following the parade.

Mascot & Costumed Characters: These individuals will be provided with costumes and in most cases required to be made up. You will walk the parade route (approx. 2 km). You will walk in groups of two or more and will be energetic and dramatic with your actions. We need dynamic outgoing people to wave to the people and greet and shake the hands of excited children. Mascot costumes involve wearing a head like Bart Simpson, a Snowman and Three Bears.

Important Information for Night Time Volunteers

On Friday, November 24, 2023: 

All volunteers should be at Fenelon Falls Community Centre, 27 Veterans Way Fenelon Falls between 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm to try on their costumes.

On SANTA DAY Saturday, November 25, 2023: 

All volunteers should be at Fenelon Community Centre by 2:45 pm. Please text 705-344-0067 if you are going to be later then 3:45 pm – If we don’t hear from you your costume will be given to the next person so please be courteous and let us know ahead of time. After the parade, please come back to Fenelon Falls Community Centre on the bus with your costume. 

You will arrive back around 6:15 pm.

Thank you! 

Rule #1 – HAVE FUN! 

Have you heard about the Most Spirited Parade Volunteer Challenge? $100 dollars will be awarded to the volunteer who is deemed to be the MOST animated, the MOST cheer-inspiring, and the MOST SPIRITED costume or character during the nighttime parade!

Volunteer Shifts

Daytime activities from 10:30 am – 5 pm

Parade Characters and Sign Carriers from 2 pm – 6:30 pm

Parade Marshalls from 1 pm – 6:30 pm

 If you are interested in helping us out, please complete the form above or call/text Shelley at 705 344 0067.

 Become a supporter

Looking for a cost-effective way to promote your business and to support our local community? Why not be a Santa Day supporter?

Santa Day has become an amazing annual event for over 23 years in the Village of Fenelon Falls and is enjoyed by over 10,000 people each year. This family oriented day has something for everyone. Many of our summer and local residents have made Santa Day part of a family weekend and celebrate Christmas. Goodwill and hospitality is evident everywhere.

Because of the generosity of our supporters (near and far), Santa Day remains a true community event, and remains a free day for all.

Please refer to the attached page for further information.