Santa Claus Reverse Parade
Santa Claus Reverse Parade
OLEAN: It’s a Christmas miracle! The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce will not let COVID-19 steal Christmas this year. This year GOACC has decided to accommodate with the circumstances they have been given to provide a safer alternative while abiding by regulations for this year’s post-Thanksgiving parade. GOACC is excited to introduce that this year’s parade will be called, the “Santa Claus Reverse Parade” and will take place at the Olean Middle School parking lot on Friday November 27th at 7p.m.
The Santa Claus Lane Parade is an ever-popular event that is the official kick-off to the holiday season for our community. In past events, Santa Claus comes to town joined by his lovely Mrs. Claus to spread Christmas spirit by lighting up thousands of lights in the skylines as well as the snowflakes and stars in downtown Olean. This year is going to be different. The GOACC committee considered all the circumstances and concerns that many businesses have faced while trying to host events during the pandemic. “The Santa Claus Lane Parade is an event that brings in 1000 people easily, crowding the streets and sidewalks downtown. With increasing numbers in our area, we faced concerns on whether this event would be appropriate; understanding the scenario of health regulations that are enforced to keep volunteers, staff, and attendees safe,” stated Meme Yanetsko, GOACC Chief Operating Officer. The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce knows that the parade is highly valued in our area and wanted to keep the Christmas magic alive, especially during these troubling times. “We considered hosting a virtual parade, but we know how strong our community’s excitement is about our traditional holiday parade and their urge to be outside of their homes, for we have all been isolated for too long. The reverse parade option gives our community the in-person feeling that we’ve been longing for, which is better than nothing. This also allows us to host our authentic celebration while following our guidelines,” stated Erica Dreher, Membership Services Manager.
How will the Santa Claus Reverse Parade work? GOACC still encourages and invites area organizations and businesses to participate in the parade with a float, send in a musical unit, or display historical/public vehicles in the parade. Participation is FREE, all you need to do is print and fill out an application form that can be found on the Chamber’s website: www.oleanny.com or it can be accessed by calling the Chamber office (716)-372-4433. The parade will be held at the Olean Middle School parking lot at 7 p.m. where attendees will be able to drive through the parade admiring the floats. The floats will be stationary and can be viewed by driving through the parade using the designated pathways. As the list of participants grows and the event approaches, the Chamber will make the decision to add another parking lot to the parade which will allow them to properly social distance those in the parade and those coming to enjoy it. The lighting of downtown Olean is set to follow but the details are still to be determined “We encourage residents attending the Santa Claus Reverse Parade to make some hot chocolate, pop some popcorn, load up their sleighs with their little elves buckled in, and enjoy the ride to witness our community coming together during these uncertain times to create some Christmas magic,” states Sarah Pingie, GOACC Marketing Intern.
The parade rules and guidelines include: floats may be no taller than 13 feet and they may NOT contain a Santa or Mrs. Claus as they make their entrance and throughout the duration of the parade. NO CANDY, small toys, light up wands, etc. should be thrown from the float, and all children on floats must be supervised by an adult. There will be no walking permitted by participants and attendees to assure social distancing regulations are being followed. To participate in the parade, a float or unit must be decorated in holiday fashion. THERE IS NO THEME. A safety committee will review all floats before they enter the reverse parade to be parked. This year we ask that parade applications are turned in by Monday, November 23rd to ensure the proper amount of space and to make accommodations if more room is needed. All parade participants must have a wavier signed and the Chamber officials ask that all waivers are submitted to the offices at 301 North Union Street before the parade or to parade officials the night of the parade.
Santa made his list, and he’s checking it twice! Santa mailed the chamber a letter stating that because of the travel restrictions taking place in the North Pole, he might not be able to make an appearance at the Santa Claus Reverse Parade this year but, with a little Christmas magic, he might gain enough power to fly his sleigh to come visit us, so make sure you watch for Santa! If he does make an appearance, the chamber asks that we avoid close contact with Santa to keep everyone safe, especially him so he can come back to visit before Christmas. To make up for the loss of in-person interactions with Santa during the parade, Santa promised that he would visit our area not twice, but four times before Christmas to be sure his naughty and nice list is accurate!
For more information regarding the Santa Claus Reverse Parade or other Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce events and activities, please call 716-372-4433, email events@oleanny.com, or visit the GOACC website: www.oleanny.com.