Those in Need the Main Focus in Today's Santa Claus Parade

The Downtown Associates of North Attleborough (DANA) is hosting its 56th Annual Santa Claus Parade sponsored by today, Nov. 27, 2011 at 3 p.m. The parade will kickoff from Baptist Common on North Washington Street and end at Veteran’s Park.

DANA is projecting this to be the biggest parade to date.

Organizers and marchers in the parade will accept donations that will help make the holidays a little bit brighter for others in the community. Betty’s Angels will be returning, with Rep. Betty Poirier taking the lead, to collect non-perishable items for Preschool Adventures will have a float with children from the preschool, cheer leaders from and Marine’s in full uniform to accept donations for Toys for Tots. 

"In the actual parade we will have about 700 participants," DANA organizer Angela Yeaton said. "Because the weather is going to be excellent, there should be 5,000 to 8,000 to see the parade which is amazing."

There will be seven business floats, 10 community (non-profit or school) floats and six dance schools for a total of 23 floats, according to Yeaton. The total number of parade positions, beginning with the NA Police Department and ending with Santa on an antique fire truck, is 47. 

"Based on last year, which was sunny and cold and had a ton of classic cars, there should be 40 plus classic cars in addition to the floats," Yeaton said.