The Kamloops Rube Band keeps the mood upbeat and lively during the 2016 Santa Claus Parade.
The annual Kamloops Santa Claus Parade is just around the corner, and to show support for this long-running community event, Thompson Rivers University will be the parade’s first-ever presenting sponsor.
“The parade highlights the rich diversity of the city’s people, cultures and professions, and this is right in line with TRU’s values,” said TRU Director of Brand and Marketing, Jennifer Read.
The parade is Nov. 25 and starts at 11 a.m., with the bulk of the route along Victoria Street between Second and Sixth avenues. The theme this year is Canada 150+, and incorporates the + symbol, in the same way TRU has, to recognize the Indigenous people who have lived on the land for thousands of years.
TRU will have an entry in the parade and will also be participating in pre- and post-parade activities. All staff, faculty and students are invited to check out the booth at 340 Victoria where you can donate a food item to the TRUSU foodbank to get a free TRU toque and hot coffee or cocoa.
As presenting sponsor, TRU welcomes staff, students and faculty to get involved in this community event. There are opportunities to walk in the parade, volunteer at the TRU booth, judge floats and even wrap presents. If you’re interested in participating, please email marcom@tru.ca.
Organized each year by the Downtown Kamloops department of the Kamloops Central Business Improvement Area, the parade is more than a parade—it’s an event bringing together thousands of people of all ages, from all neighbourhoods, from all walks of life and with different beliefs about the holiday season and its traditions.
Last year’s parade generated more than 70 entries, bringing parade participation to well over 700 people. Entries included individuals, organizations and businesses, with the majority of them from the immediate area. Meanwhile, at least 5,000 spectators lined the parade route, clapping, cheering and waving as the entries went by. The loudest applause was saved—as it always is—for the parade’s final float and star attraction: Mr. and Mrs Claus.
With TRU onboard, this could be the city’s biggest Santa parade ever, said Downtown Kamloops General Manager Gay Pooler, with entries perhaps as high as 100 and spectators again in the thousands.
“Partnering with a dedicated sponsor who is enthusiastic about the community allows this event to be even more successful and more sustainable long-term,” said Pooler.
