Santa greets LaPorteans from atop a fire engine during the 2012 parade. Photo by Mike Kellems
Early snow has reminded us that we’re just weeks away from the Christmas season. LaPorte has welcomed the season for decades with its Santa Parade, which this year will take place Saturday, Nov. 30, starting at noon.
Come to the heart of downtown to see Christmas characters, horses, Santa arriving on a LaPorte fire engine and much more. The parade will begin on Lincolnway at Teegarden Street, travel east on Lincolnway to Detroit Street, head north on Detroit Street to State Street, head west on State Street to Michigan Avenue, then head north on Michigan one block to end at Santa’s Chalet outside the historic LaPorte depot.
Applications are now available for those who would like to participate in the parade; participation is free.
After the parade, children can visit with Santa at the Chalet, peruse gift items at Santa’s Village, and enjoy train rides and a tree lighting, all at the depot location.
Other downtown events during the Christmas season:
– Going from parade day until Christmas, community members are encouraged to vote for their favorite decorated LaPorte storefront in the Downtown Holiday Window Contest. The winning business will be announced before Christmas.
Over 15 businesses are decorating their windows and are ready for some competition. Visit the Downtown La Porte page on Facebook and like, comment on or share your favorites! The business with the most Facebook feedback will receive a special People’s Choice Award.
Individuals also have the option to vote for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place, which will help the secret judges choose the final winners. They will be announced Dec. 23. Voters may pick up a judging form with a list of participating businesses at the Greater LaPorte Chamber of Commerce in the historic LaPorte depot.
– A Christmas card will again be used for entry in the Coloring Contest to win B&J Bucks for Breakfast with Santa, scheduled for Dec. 14 at 10 a.m. at B&J’s American Cafe. All cards will be forwarded to our troops. Copies of this year’s card are available for all ages at the LaPorte YMCA and the chamber; the deadline for entries is Nov. 29. The drop-off site is the YMCA.
– Applications are also available at the chamber for people interested in selling their wares at Santa’s Village, the holiday market surrounding Santa’s Chalet.
Santa will be in his Chalet every Saturday in December leading up to Christmas from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Chalet will also serve as a drop-off site on those days for LaPorte County Toys for Tots.
For more information, call the Greater LaPorte Chamber of Commerce at (219) 362-3178, email bley@lpchamber.com, and visit La Porte Santa Parade on Facebook.