Santa Parade to be biggest in history

Brandon residents are expected to pack the downtown area this evening as the 2025 Santa Parade kicks off at 6 p.m.

Tonight’s parade will be the “largest procession” in the event’s history, according to organizers.

“More than 76 floats registered ahead of tonight’s parade, but the committee expects the total to reach roughly 80 once last-minute participants, emergency vehicles and the Santa float are counted,” parade chair Ashleigh Hamm told the Sun.

“This is the highest so far because last year we had 62, which was already a record, and that’s really exciting.”

The parade begins at Sixth Street and Rosser Avenue, travels west down Rosser to 17th Street, turns south, then heads east along Princess Avenue back toward Sixth Street before concluding near the starting point.

Hamm, now in her second year leading the organizing committee, said the growth reflects strong community support and enthusiasm for what she calls the “kickoff to the Christmas season.”

One of the key lessons from last year centred on safety and crowd management, she said.

The 2024 edition faced issues with motorists moving barricades and entering restricted areas.

In response, organizers have introduced a new volunteer role — the “parade safety support” position — and an Adopt-a-Barricade program, designed to prevent unauthorized access along the route.

“We had challenges last year with people moving barricades and driving where they shouldn’t,” Hamm said. “So this year, we’ve added dedicated safety support to help protect the crowd, the volunteers and the parade participants.”

The committee itself includes 13 core members and an additional 15 volunteers from the community. Extra help is also coming from Brandon’s fire college students and police studies students, who will support safety and logistical needs during the event.

One of the parade’s biggest off-season projects involved repairing and partially rebuilding the trailer that carries Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The float required significant work to meet insurance and safety standards, Hamm said.

“It was in desperate need of repairs,” she said. “We had to take it apart and rebuild it. The first step was making sure it was safe on the road.”

The committee received support from the local business community to cover the added costs, along with its annual grant from the City of Brandon. Hamm said the goal for 2026 is to secure further sponsorships to enhance the Santa float even more.

This year’s theme, Winter Wonderland, was chosen as inspiration for float designers, though participation in the theme is optional.

“We thought we’d have more snow,” Hamm joked. “But every year we toss ideas around and vote on what feels right. Last year was Christmas Around the World. This year, Winter Wonderland fit.”

With milder temperatures forecast for tonight, organizers anticipate a large crowd lining the streets.

Hamm encouraged residents to enjoy the evening while keeping safety in mind.

“We love seeing the community come out,” she said. “Just stay safe, stay on the sidewalk and don’t step onto the road. We’re excited to see everyone. Santa’s coming to town.”

» aodutola@brandonsun.com

» X: @AbiolaOdutola