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Thousands gather for Alliston Rotary Night Lit Parade

November 25, 2021   ·   0 Comments

The 14th annual Rotary Club of Alliston Night Lit Santa Claus Parade took place on Saturday, November 20.

The route – from Banting Memorial High School, to SportsCheck on the far west side of town – brought a full hour of entertainment to town residents, who lined the streets during this first event of the 2021 holiday season.

The Rotary Night Lit parade began in 2007 and has only been missed once – in 2020, due to the COVID–19 pandemic. Townspeople did not miss a beat to participate in 2021 with the return of this traditionally untraditional parade, featuring thousands of twinkling lights.

In all, 32 local businesses took part with a panel of three volunteer judges deciding their favourites in four categories. And the 2021 winners are:

WOW Factor: HD Towing and Recovery

Best Overall: The Circle Theatre (repeat winner, as they also won Best Overall in 2016)

Most Unique: Starlite Graphics & Signs

Best use of traditional: Grant Thornton

“We are thrilled by the great turnout by the business community to enter their parade float on such short notice,” said Rotarian Bill Wray. “Great job by Nottawasaga OPP, New Tecumseth Fire & Rescue, New Tecumseth Public Works department and Town administrators – we could not do it without them!” 

Wray told The Times there was a great social media response to the parade this year, and believes the turnout was due to a need for a return to normalcy following the pandemic.

“This is a great event for the parents and kids alike” he said.

The Rotary Club of Alliston is currently selling its 2022 Daily Cash Lottery calendars in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Barrie/Huronia, with a portion of the net proceeds to the Stevenson Memorial Hospital Foundation, and the Sir Frederick Banting Legacy Foundation.

Their next event could be the annual “12th Night” event in early January – a celebration where families come together for a massive outdoor bonfire at the Rotary Pool, disposing of their real Christmas trees while socializing over hot chocolate and enjoying the outdoors. Rotary members say they are waiting on confirmation from the Town and the local Health Unit before confirming whether the gathering will be permitted.

By Wendy Gabrek

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