The 2012 Santa Parade on November 24, 2012 at 12:00pm in Downtown La Porte officially starts the holiday season in La Porte with a slew of activities all season long. This year, several events follow and continue through the month of December, offering visitors and community members things to do all season long.
Following the parade will be a free, indoor screening of the popular film Prancer inside the Greater La Porte Economic Development Corporation building, 809 Washington Street. Director John Hancock and local actor Ron Ehrick will be on-hand to discuss the history of the filming of Prancer in LaPorte County and surrounding areas. Also available will be the actual coats worn by actors such as Cloris Leachman and the young Rebecca Harrell.
During the movie, children may also complete Santa Parade Coloring Contest entries if they haven’t done so before the parade. The winner of the contest will enjoy brunch with Santa and $20 at B & J’s on Saturday, December 8 at 10am. All entries will be mailed to troops oversees this holiday season. Entries are available at the La Porte YMCA, the LaPorte County Public Library and the Chamber of Commerce in advance of the Parade.
The newly arrived Santa will be in his Chalet after the parade up until the giant tree lighting ceremony at 4:30pm and every Saturday in December from 11am to 2pm. There will be train rides around the tree, fresh greens for sale benefitting the La Porte Kiwanis Club and the parade, free hot chocolate courtesy of B & J’s, and vendors selling goods at the Santa’s Village Winter Market around the Chalet. Free pictures with a classic horse and carriage and a lottery for free rides will be held and is sponsored by WE-PAY-MORE at their storefront at Lincolnway and Madison Street.
Launching at the parade and going until Christmas, community members may pick up a form from the Chamber office to judge and vote for their favorite storefront for the holidays. Individuals can also vote online after the parade through the downtown’s Facebook page. The winning business will be announced after the holiday.
The Santa Parade is presented by the Greater La Porte Chamber of Commerce, the LaPorte Kiwanis Club and the LaPorte Family YMCA. For more information or questions regarding the Santa Parade, Santa’s Village, or the storefront judging, please call the Greater LaPorte Chamber at (219) 362-3178 or email bley@lpchamber.com.