The float will depict an outdoors Christmas scene. It will be constructed on a 20-foot long truck (borrowed from Rona Cashway), with a church, sleigh, trees and lights.

Headed up by Nurse’s Aide Roz Watkins, a group of staff and their families are helping construct and decorate the home’s float, as well as take part in the parade, either waving merrily from the float, or walking alongside it.

“I’m not sure how many people are involved, but there’s quite a few. People have been loaning things like lights and Christmas trees. We’ll have about 12 or 13 people on the float, plus walkers,” explains Roz.

All ages will participate, says Roz, including adults, teens and children – the youngest one being three-years-old. They’ll be dressed festively, in red and green, complete with Santa hats.

Building the float also builds camaraderie among staff, says Roz.

“The idea is to enhance morale, for staff to share a common goal, to be recognized as an active member of the community, and of course, to have fun.”

“It’s all about the Christmas spirit.”

The home took part in the parade with a small float about seven years ago, so staff like Roz are excited to once again be involved.

The parade starts at 5 p.m. Last year, the parade was three hours long with 56 floats, notes Roz.