PORT HARDY—In an ordinary small town where Christmas comes and goes, a humble shopkeeper decides to take it upon herself to get her community into the Christmas spirit.
This is no premise for a Christmas movie; the shopkeeper is Angie Clance, who works at Monk’s Office Supply and lives in Port Hardy.
This year she’s organizing the second annual Santa Claus Parade, and she’s looking for floats, performers and whoever wants to be part of the pageantry.
Clance looks back at least year’s first event and, while small, it came off without a hitch.
“It was well received in the community,” she said.
The 2010 effort saw 400 people watch seven floats wend the Market Street parade route.
But there was more.
“The Lions offered hot chocolate and cookies outside the Port Hardy Chamber of Commerce office, and that’s going to happen again this year.”
Clance is looking forward to this year’s bigger parade.
“I’m expecting at least double the amount of floats as last year,” she said.
Fortunately, that number of floats has already been confirmed to be taking part in the parade, but she said that more would be better.
The parade will be held Dec. 4, starting at 4 p.m.
The route will start at the Thunderbird Mall parking lot and will proceed along Rupert Street to Gray Street, then to Market Street as far as Hwy. 19 near the Port Hardy Chamber of Commerce office.
Once again free hot chocolate and cookies will be provided by the Lions Club.
“I just want people to get into the Christmas spirit,” said Clance.
For those who wish to contribute to the Santa Claus Parade, contact Clance at 250-949-7248.