Santa is coming to town Friday, and families can take a drive and see him at the end of the Backwards Christmas parade.
This year’s parade is a COVID-19 friendly format, allowing families to stay in their vehicle and drive along Chestnut Street Extension to see the floats, which will be parked six feet apart. Parade participants will be wearing masks.
Viewers can head for Chestnut Street Extension beginning at 5:30 p.m.
“We have 14 units signed up for the Christmas Parade. Parade observers will start at the beginning of Chestnut Street Extension and observe the parade along the road with Santa closing out the parade at the Zippo/Case Museum & Flagship Store, exiting on to Congress Street,” said Heidi Scrivo Passmore, executive director of the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce. “We will have a few stops along the way. The United Way of the Bradford Area will be selling hot cocoa at the first set of railroad tracks. The Chamber will collect any food donations for the Friendship Table at the second set of railroad tracks. Unfortunately, no candy can be tossed during this year’s parade, but we will hand out candy sticks to vehicles with children as they drive by Santa. We do ask that when you stop your vehicle the driver wears a mask.”
Those who choose to view the parade are reminded that the biggest factor this year is having fun while staying safe. In that vein, there are a few extra guidelines, along with the reversed format for the parade itself.
“Safety is the most important aspect of this parade. We are pleased we could find a way to continue this tradition. We are asking each parade unit to wear masks and each unit will be scattered a minimum of six feet apart,” Passmore said. “We are asking that observers keep the line of traffic moving. Please do not exit your vehicle to speak to someone or snap a photo. Please do not exit your vehicle to approach Santa. Again, safety is a number one priority for this year’s event.”
Santa is set to hang out in front of the Zippo/Case Museum, waving to kids of all ages as they drive past. Following that task, he’ll head to the RISE tree on Main Street to light the tree for the season at 7 p.m.
All registered parade organizations were asked to donate at least one non-perishable food item, which will go to the Friendship Table. Those who attend the parade are asked to consider donating a food item as well. Food items from onlookers will be collected along the parade route.
Passmore said a few themes to watch for during this year’s parade include It’s a Wonderful Life, Rudolph and the Misfit Elves, Gremlins and Die Hard.
For anyone interested, it’s not too late to join the line-up. Passmore said anyone who would like to be part of the parade should contact the chamber at (814)368-7115.
Parade participants are competing in five categories, with the potential to win awards for best non-profit, best business, best emergency vehicle and best live entertainment. The fifth award goes to the organization that collects the most food items for the Friendship Table.
The Chamber is grateful for the support of CNB Bank, the City of Bradford and Zippo Manufacturing Inc., which was provided during planning and setup for this event.
