Here Comes Santa Claus
Here Comes Santa Claus
Olean’s Santa Claus Lane Parade returns November 29th
OLEAN - As the weather starts to cool down, The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce is preparing for one of Olean’s most loved traditions: The Santa Claus Lane Parade. Like always, the parade will begin in the evening on Black Friday. This year’s parade will be on November 29th, starting at 6:30pm.
The procession will begin on the corner of Delaware Ave. and N. Union and proceed south into the heart of Downtown Olean. Floats, units, and theatrical groups will stagger and use both sides of the street, so make sure you get a good spot! Seven Mountains Media will be emceeing the entire procession, from the first float to Santa’s arrival.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will have their traditional magical countdown to the illumination of the lights, at the intersection of State and Union. Come dressed in your holiday sweaters and scarves (and jackets!) and get ready to enter the magical holiday season.
The GOACC is still taking float applications! We encourage all area organizations and businesses to participate in the parade. Applications can be found online at www.OleanNY.com/ParadeApp or stop in the store for a print-out version. The deadline to submit applications is Friday November 22nd.
The GOACC is also still looking for various levels of sponsors for the Santa Claus Lane Parade, as well as the upcoming Jingle Bell Jubilee on December 13th. Interested? Check out the complete list of sponsorships available on www.OleanNY.com/Sponsorships or give us a call at 716-372-4433.
And don’t forget, eight esteemed awards will be given out to select floats, chosen by our judges, Paula Synder, Jason Crisafulli, and Mayor William Aiello, located in front of Blue Bird Square.
“The Elves Award” will be presented to a float or unit that best showcases holiday joy through the eyes of a child; the “Angelic Spirit Award” will be given to the most spiritual/religious float or unit; “The Blitzen Award” goes to the most photogenic; “Jingle Bells Award” will be given to the best theatrical (music/dance) float or unit; “The Sleigh Award” to the most decorated larger truck; “The Season’s Greeting Award” to the best newcomer to the parade that exemplifies a welcoming theme; “The Snowflake Award” will go to the float or unit with the most participants; and last but certainly not least, “The Rudolph Award” will be presented to the float or unit with the most or best use of lighting.
Want some hot cocoa and treats to enjoy with the parade? Sweet Ride will be parked in the mall parking lot, specializing in yummy treats, and Believer’s Chapel will have their “Love Thy Neighbor” RV parked by the city building, with hot cocoa waiting.