Mall bells

By Jessica Soule / The Citizen

Saturday, November 17, 2007 12:11 AM EST

While most children eagerly await Santa Claus' arrival, a group will give him a big welcome a month early.


The Fingerlakes Mall is planning a Santa Kiddie Parade to greet Saint Nick and celebrate the start of the Christmas season.

Children of all ages will march in the parade, starting at Sears and walking through the mall corridors.

The group will end at Santa Land, a spot in the food court, while the jolly old man will stay throughout the season.

After the parade, groups will show their talents. A judo group from Cayuga Community College will demonstrate the fighting style and the local band Soda Ash Six will entertain the crowd with its reddition of Christmas Carols.

Marketing Director Tracie Murphy sent out 5,000 post card mailers to families in the region, inviting them to participate in the kiddie parade.

She's welcoming groups, such as the Auburn Girl Scout troop, as well as individuals to start off Santa's five-week stay in the Aurelius shopping center.

To start getting people in the Christmas spirit, Bass Pro Shops will light its Christmas tree in the store before the parade, Murphy said.

Children can visit and take photos with Saint Nick from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. On Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, Santa will be there from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For the week before Christmas, he will be there all week, from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, noon to 8 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday. Kris Kringle will give out free prizes to the children. Parents can purchase photos of their children with Santa. One photograph costs $5 and two cost $8.

“(The parade) gets everyone ready for Santa,” Murphy said.

This type of event helps bring the community together, she added.

Last year, Girl Scout Troop No. 1125, the 4-H Little Rascals Club and the East Middle School National Junior Honor Society marched in the parade. There's no suggested age range for participants.

Parents or group leaders still can reserve a spot in the parade by calling Murphy at 255-1188.

Staff writer Jessica Soule can be reached at 253-5311, ext. 267 or jessica.soule@lee.net

If you go

What: Santa Kiddie Parade

When: 11 a.m. Saturday

Where: Fingerlakes Mall

Information: Call 255-1188

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There are 1 comment(s)

Rene wrote on Nov 15, 2007 2:28 PM:

" With Christmas around the corner theres no better time for this article of holiday culture. "

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