The Alvinston Optimists are getting ready to welcome Santa to town in what could be the largest “parade” in the area this year.

The club is the host of the annual Santa Claus parade, but this year, the event will look different. The floats will be spread throughout the town Saturday and people are encouraged to drive around and view them at their own leisure from 6-7 pm. Santa Claus will be handing out drinks and chocolate bars for free to everyone.

The club is still giving away $500 for the best float in the parade. Officials say they already have more floats than normal and it may be the largest event of its kind this year in Lambton.

Residents of Alvinston can also get into the act – The Optimist will be giving over $1,000 in prizes to resident displaying the “Most Christmas Spirit.”

Parade Marshall Jim Mihalik says some seniors who normally not be able to participate can be involved; the club has offered to put up Christmas lights for seniors unable to hang their own.

A map of the parade route will be available at the Brooke-Alvinston Inwood Community Centre Saturday night. Homes and out of town floats are asked to register before 7:00 pm on Friday night @ alvinstonoptimist.com.

The Optimists are also hosting a Homemade Turkey Takeout Dinner on Saturday. The club normally funds the parade with the proceeds from the annual 50/50 draw. It was cut short after the Ontario Gaming Commission found the website host wasn’t following the provincial regulations. Mihalik hopes the turkey dinner will raise enough to cover the shortfall.

The club already has 575 dinners sold and is making a big push to sell even more. The meals will be available for pickup during the parade from 6 to 7 pm. Tickets are available at alvinstonoptimist.com

“The club, which is one of the largest in the region, has enough members and community support to pull all of this off at the same time, It should make Alvinston Christmas Celebration 2020 one to remember for all ages” says Alvinston & Districts Optimist Club President, Jeff McLachlin.