Port Stanley Lions’ and Lioness’ Dickens Days Night Parade will be held on Friday, November 25, 2022 from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The parade has marked the start of the holiday season in Elgin County for some 15 years, starting at the village Foodland, 291 Colborne Street, and running along Stanley Street to Colborne Street, across the lift bridge and south on William Street to Mackie’s, 124 William Street. There’s usually free hot chocolate, cookies and photos with Santa at Mackie’s.

There’s no fee to enter a parade float, but many participants give donations. Anyone interested in contributing a float or donating can contact the organizers at konecny1071@gmail.com. There are cash prizes for participants in four categories: Most Victorian; Winter Wonderland; Best Youth; and Best Walker. The Christmas lights at Lions Landing are also turned on in November.

On the weekend of the parade, the Port Stanley Business Improvement Area typically offers some festive activities. The BIA’s Dickens Days harken back to times when residents commemorated the holiday season, wearing costumes reflected in the works of Victorian era writer and social critic Charles Dickens (1812 – 1870).