Santa parade, downtown Penticton light up happening today

Magic on Main Street returns to downtown Penticton today and the city is reminding residents of all the festive activities happening.

The annual Santa Parade kicks off at 4:45 pm, with dozens of floats taking part.

The parade will be followed by the official light up ceremony at Gyro Park 6 pm.

In addition, there will be live music and photos with Santa.

“We look forward to seeing the community come out for this magical event, which kicks off the festive spirit throughout Penticton,” says Mayor Julius Bloomfield.

“In addition to the brightly decorated floats, we know the light up will be extra special, with the return of the light tunnel plus possibly some new surprises.”

With heavy foot traffic expected and downtown road closures, people are being urged to take advantage of free transit that night.

There will be a free shuttler happening every 15 minutes between 4 pm and 7:20 pm with stops at Cherry Lane mall, Martin Street at Wade Avenue and Gyro Park.

As for road closures, the downtown section of Martin Street, between Eckhardt Ave and Lakeshore Drive, will be closed from 3 pm until 8 pm on Dec. 1.

Parade floats will stage in the Penticton High School parking lot, so motorists and residents in the area should be aware that there will be slow-moving parade traffic and traffic control personnel on Eckhardt Avenue between the school and Main Street.