With the Magic on Main Street event anticipated to draw excited crowds to downtown Penticton on Sunday, and with road closures in place along Main Street, the City is issuing a few reminders to help residents plan ahead.
This year’s event combines two family favourites into one, starting with the Santa Claus Parade and wrapping up with the official light up ceremony at Gyro Park.
Road closures
Main Street – between Eckhardt Avenue and Westminster Avenue – will be closed to traffic from 3 p.m. until 6:15 p.m. this Sunday, Dec. 3. Drivers are asked to plan ahead and move their vehicles from the street in that area by 2:30 p.m. to ensure the route is clear for floats.
Also, Main Street will be closed, with no parking available, between Westminster Avenue and Lakeshore Drive from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. Anyone driving to the downtown core should anticipate extra parking congestion and heavy foot traffic.
Floats taking part in the parade will stage in the Penticton High School parking lot, so motorists and residents in the area should be aware that there will be slow-moving parade traffic and traffic control personnel on Eckhardt Avenue between the school and Main Street.
Free Park & Ride shuttle service
The City is offering a free Park & Ride shuttle service through BC Transit from Cherry Lane Shopping Centre, where residents can park, shop and ride downtown. This will operate on a continuous loop every half-hour between 4 p.m. and 7:20 p.m. The three stops include:
Collecting food donations for the Salvation Army
Participants are encouraged to bring food donations for Penticton’s Salvation Army. The goal is to fill a BigSteelBox container, which will be placed on-site at Gyro Park. Items most in need include oatmeal, fruit cups, canned fruit, tuna, Kraft Dinner, granola bars, crackers, cereal, pork ‘n beans, soups, rice, pasta, canned vegetables and juice.
Parade & event details
The parade starts at 4:30 p.m. from White Avenue and will proceed north along Main Street toward Lakeshore Drive. Gyro Park will also be decked out with family-friendly activities, including a mini market, heated tent, live music and outdoor patio heaters. The official light up reveal will take place at 6 p.m.
For more information about this event, visit penticton.ca/holidaymagic.