'TOON IN! This year's Clearwater Winter Parade is themed "Festival of Cartoons" and is sure to be a family-friendly hit! (Submitted photo)

Dec. 1 will not only kick off the final month of the year, but will bring community organizations and locals together in downtown Eau Claire for the 11th annual Clearwater Winter Parade!

This year’s theme, “Festival of Cartoons”, invites folks to get back to their cartoon-lovin’ roots from favorites like Tom & Jerry and The Flintstones to more current ‘toons like Bluey and Paw Patrol.

The parade will start off at the corner of W. Grande Ave. and 3rd St. at 6:30pm, march down 1st Ave., and round the corner to Chippewa Street where it will end on Chippewa and 2nd Street. Fireworks, music, and games will also be part of the parade celebration.

Once again, the U.S. Postal Service will also be collecting Letters to Santa, no postage necessary! Bring your letter – or stop by the Warming Shelter to write one at the parade – and hand it to a postal service worker walking in the parade to ensure Santa receives your note.

Registration fees for commercial businesses is $50 while non-profits or individual non-business fee is $15. Schools, government and city registration is free. Revenue collected will benefit recreation program scholarships for youth and families. Find the registration form online.

Learn more about this year's Clearwater Winter Parade online. Click here for the registration form. Deadline to register is Nov. 15, 2023.