By Geoff Smith (@GeoffSmithLNN on Twitter)

Preparations continue for Santa’s arrival in Fort Macleod

Nov 24, 2017 | 7:49 AM

UPDATE: Here are the highlights

FORT MACLEOD – Last minute preparations are underway for one of the major highlights of the Christmas season in southern Alberta.

Registrations (and cancellations) for the 36th annual Fort Macleod Santa Claus Parade will be continuing right up to start time, parade coordinator Ashley Nelson said Thursday. She added a lot of last minute donations for the event are coming in as well.

Approximately 70 entries will be in the parade. It’s Nelson’s first year at the helm, but she said it appears to be a bit ahead of last year. In addition to the Magrath High School band, the Trifecta home schooling choir from Calgary, and the F.P. Walshe High School band, the lineup includes the Calgary Roundup Band, Calgary Stetson Band, and Calgary Showband.

“Everybody looks forward to seeing those bands each year,” Nelson said. “They’ve pretty well always been coming and participating in our parade, so we’re glad that they can come this year, and so far the weather’s looking pretty good so (we’re) not anticipating them having to cancel due to weather.”

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Last year’s event drew 12,000 spectators.

“All the businesses in town really benefit from having the people coming and seeing what we have to offer here in our community,” Nelson explained. “And it’s just a great feeling to have so many people out in the streets, enjoying each other’s company and gearing up for the Christmas season.”

The parade begins at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 25. But it’s part of a larger Christmas festival that includes events Friday and Saturday. Nelson said there will be photos with Santa, a pancake breakfast, a family dance, auction, and craft sale.

Things kick off Friday evening with “Moonlight Madness,” a tree lighting at 6:45 p.m. and for the first time, fireworks.

“We’re excited to have that. It goes right along with our theme of celebrating Canada’s 150,” Nelson added.

The parade starts at 11 a.m. Saturday and will make its way along Main Street.