Under the first snowflakes of winter 2023-2024, the program for the next Toy Parade was announced on Monday morning. According to the organizers, this edition is even more important given the economic context.
More than ever, toy collection will be crucial for those most in need during the 22nd edition of the parade, which will take place on November 11 from 2:30 p.m.
“In view of the rising cost of living, we certainly still want as many children as possible to have a nice present to unwrap at Christmas,” emphasizes the education coordinator of the Joujouthèque Basse-Ville, Marianne Comtois.
In addition to filling out the Joujouthèque rental catalog, the used or new toys, picked up by two vehicles during the day, are distributed to children from families in need in the Greater Quebec area by the Society of Saint-Vincent-de-Paul other organizations.
“It’s a great opportunity to show your children the difference you can make in the lives of others by donating a toy and to convey that generosity to them,” explains Toy Parade spokesperson Taïna Lavoie.
The speaker of the 22nd Toy Parade, Taïna Lavoie. Vincent Desbiens
Christmas magic
Santa Claus himself visited Place Jean-Béliveau to unveil the innovations for the 2023 edition. He came to complain about the chaos that a magician has caused throughout the North Pole.
Viewers can see the parade’s 325 characters attempt to make things right after the magician’s evil tricks. This production, themed “The Magic of Christmas,” is presented in around sixty animated scenes.
A mysterious magician has played a prank on all the residents of the North Pole, who will parade during the 22nd Toy Parade on November 11th. Vincent Desbiens
This year the celebration will be expanded to include three new floats. On each of them you can find professional artists. The first will be staffed by dancers, the second by an improvisational troupe and the last by the Rouge et Or drum line.
Same route
Like last year, the parade begins at the corner of 52nd Street and 1st Avenue in Charlesbourg before turning about two kilometers further south onto Rue Boisclerc.
The 15 allegorical floats from Ateliers Balthazar will then travel along Boulevard Hamel to the VIP area at Place Jean-Béliveau.
“It is a good compromise to give as many people as possible the opportunity to see the parade on the street. “The party will then continue in the main square, where we will have food trucks and entertainment around VIP stands,” explains event producer Mireille Tremblay.
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