Creemore parade secures title sponsor

The Creemore Santa Claus Parade has received a title sponsorship from Creemore Hills Winery.

Parade planning committee member Corey Finkelstein said he has secured a $5,000 sponsorship to cover a portion of the parade costs.

“Nothing has changed. It is still the Creemore Santa Claus Parade but what we have is some people who are investing heavily in the community who are very interested in the parade and have contributed a large sum of money and for that they want recognition to help promote their business,” said Finkelstein.

The deal was brokered with the support of the planning committee and the BIA executive, said Finkelstein.

He said the winery has indicated a commitment to contribute $5,000 each year for the next three years.

The winery is owned by Catherine and Steve Morrissey and is not yet selling wine as it is still in the growing phase of the operation.

The title sponsorship will be used to pay for the Collingwood Collegiate Institute marching band, a banner and advertisements.

The marching band’s fee is $3,500 and there are costs associated with other performers in the parade.

“If they’re going to foot the bill like that and they’re prepared to cover the cost going forward for a number of years, taking the pressure off, I think they have earned the right to become the title sponsor,” said Finkelstein.

“We still hope that businesses and individuals would contribute to the parade… Everyone knows that the parade costs money and you have to beg every year and so did those before us to cover the costs. It seemed like a good solution.”

The parade takes place on Saturday, Dec. 6.