'Reverse' Santa Claus parades to be held in Kitchener and Waterloo

Update: The Kitchener reverse parade required pre-registration and is now full. The Waterloo reverse parade does not currently require registration.

People in Kitchener and Waterloo can look forward to a Santa Claus Parade is this year with a twist.

The Lions Club of Kitchener announced Monday it will hold two "reverse" Santa Claus Parades for 2020,one in Kitchener and one in Waterloo. Floats will stay parked as people drive by in their cars to ensure physical distancing.

The club's annual Kitchener-Waterloo Santa Claus Parade was originally cancelled due to COVID-19. But Jack Bishop, who is chairing the parade this year, said the club later came up with the idea of holding reverse parades.

He said it was important to the clubto give kids something to look forward to even if it's a bit different.

"I think it's going to be a good time," Bishop told CBC News Monday.

Donations, letters to Santa welcome

The reverse parades will be held:

• In Kitchener: On Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. until noon at the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium.
• In Waterloo: On Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. until noon at the Grey Silo Golf Course.

Bishop said people are encouraged to bring donations of food and toys for the Christmas Toy Drive and the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. Canada Post staff will also be available to accept letters to Santa Claus, Bishop said.

Reverse parades have also been announced in other cities across Canada including Windsor and Moncton, N.B.