Falconer’s annual Santa Parade takes place Saturday beginning with a parade at 5 p.m. The event will include an appearance by Santa Claus and his wife, Mrs. Claus. Submitted photo

FALCONER — It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the village of Falconer with the annual Santa Parade set for Saturday. This year’s parade again is being organized by the Falconer Rotary Club.

The parade will begin at 5 p.m. on Dow Street before heading down West Main Street, past the Community Building, to South Work Street, and ending at Santa’s House at Coleson Park on Coleson Drive.

Department of Public Works employees have been preparing for the festivities by decorating the village. Among the newest decorations are the holiday banners along Main Street.

“We have some terrific things happening in the village right now,” Mayor James Jaroszynski said. “We have new businesses, enhanced community involvement and other great things planned for the New Year. It is going to be a wonderful holiday season.”

Alan Gustafson Sr., Falconer Rotary member and parade chairman, said he was pleased with the number of participants who have committed to be in this year’s parade.

“This is slated to be the largest Santa Parade the Falconer Rotary has organized,” he said. “We’re very pleased with the response. We want to thank all of our faithful sponsors who make it all possible, and we also want to thank the village of Falconer, the Falconer Fire Department and the town of Ellicott Police Department for their assistance. We couldn’t do it without them.”

The Master of Ceremonies for this year’s parade will be Matt Ekstrom, who also will be providing pre-parade entertainment in front of the Community Building, 101 W. Main St. More than 30 units — including the Falconer/Frewsburg Marching Band, local churches, dance troupes, Boy and Girl Scout troops, many local businesses and nonprofits — are expected to participate in Saturday’s parade.

Afterward, the village will kick off the Christmas season with the lighting of the Christmas Tree, which will be in Coleson Park in front of Santa’s House. The tree from Moon Station Tree Farm was donated by Paula Perez and her family. Jarosynski will do the honors of lighting the tree, which will remain in Coleson Park throughout the holiday season.

New this year, the Falconer Rotary Club is sponsoring an appearance of one of the new CHQ Trolleys for the parade. Immediately following the parade, village historian Brenda Cavallaro will be hosting a Falconer history trolley tour.

She will be providing a guided tour around the village for passengers to enjoy. Space is limited and reservations can be made by contacting the Falconer Library staff at 716-665-3504.

Saturday’s guest of honor, Santa Claus and his wife Mrs. Claus, will be available after the parade to take children’s Christmas requests. Animals from Sundance Kids Farm Petting Zoo will be available for the children to enjoy while they are waiting to see Santa Claus.

Every child who visits Santa will be given an age-appropriate book to enjoy at home. 3 C’s Catering also will have its food truck available.

The Falconer Fire Department Auxiliary will hold its Holiday Bazar from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Falconer Fire Hall. There will be children’s activities including crafts, face painting, Christmas ornaments and games.