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Dazzling parade to light up Cloverdale Sunday

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Dazzling

It’s one of the easiest ways to get caught up in the festive, seasonal spirit – Surrey’s Santa Parade of Lights, brightening up downtown Cloverdale a week from Sunday.

Floats decorated with lights will set fire to the night sky and draw thousands of spectators into the festive town centre, decked out for Christmas.

It might be a good idea to get there early. As many as 7,000 people braved frigid, sub-zero temperatures to watch last year’s parade, organizers say.

Some lined up as much as 45 minutes in advance to stake out good viewing spots.

It’s a traditional parade, but it’s dazzling.

With floats, marching bands, antique vehicles and horses, plus a procession of big rig trucks – all decorated with eye-popping garlands of Christmas lights and other spectacular decorations.

Bring your glow sticks! And warm blankets.

Rain or shine, the parade starts at 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5 in the Cloverdale Rodeo fairgrounds, then winds its way though the festive, historic downtown, along 176A and 176 Streets to 56A Avenue and then back to Hawthorne Square for a traditional tree lighting ceremony.

The real star of the parade is the guest of honour, Santa Claus, who will arrive in style, along with a special, to-be-announced guest.

Be sure to bring along non-perishable food items. Donations of food and toys are graciously accepted along the parade route on behalf of the Surrey Food Bank and the Surrey Christmas Bureau.

The spectacular parade is such a draw, it’s attracting spectators from outside the city of Surrey. The same goes for parade participants, with a large contingent of semi trucks from Vancouver Island once again taking part, including some trucks from Main Road Contracting, which has its head office in Cloverdale.

Expect dogs, golf carts, racehorses, clowns, baton-twirlers, floats, sports teams, businesses, semi trucks, classic cars, local Scouts, savvy politicians and even transit buses decorated Rudolph-style.

You’re advised to dress warmly.

Along with local restaurants in the area,

There will be refreshments for sale such as hot chocolate, popcorn and even chili, along with the fare at local restaurants along the way.

It’s organized by the Cloverdale Business Improvement Association and the Cloverdale District Chamber of Commerce along with other parade sponsors.

For more information, call 604-576-3155 or 604-574-9802.