Santa Claus Parade 'elf' hat is being passed along

Ted Dawson, long-time chief organizer of the High River Santa Claus parade, is handing over the elf hat, so to speak.

Dawson's been given the nickname 'Buddy' after Will Ferrell's character from the movie 'Elf', as he is "one really tall elf."

Dawson's still volunteering as he has done for the past 32 years, however, Lorraine Watson will be taking the reins.

They still need some volunteers, said Dawson.

"You can go to High River Christmas dot ca [www.highriverchristmas.ca], and it comes down to what you can do and there's a place for volunteers and you can sign up and we have firepits, and hot chocolate stands, and barricades, and much more."

Watson jumped in to add that volunteers get the best spots on the parade route and they're usually the warmest.

Watson also added that she's excited to be taking over the organizing of the parade because it comes from the heart.

"And to make sure these events continue to go year after year after year. There's nothing like giving back and seeing the smiles on people's faces and the kids waving, kids of all ages waving, so yes, it's a feelgood way to be involved."

Dawson says the downtown area will be closed to traffic until 9 p.m. as many vendors and businesses will remain open late for shopping.

It's free to enter a float and, though will need to have lights on it, and the theme this year is 'Celebrating Moms'.

The 37th annual Santa Claus parade's big night is next Friday, December 1.

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