**** HRM Media Release
Plan ahead for the 24th annual Holiday Parade of Lights & Red Nose Run
The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents to be prepared for significant crowds at the 24th annual Holiday Parade of Lights and the 2.5-kilometre Red Nose Run, being held tomorrow (Saturday) in downtown Halifax.
With thousands of spectators expected to line the parade route, residents are urged to plan their travel in advance and consider taking public transit to and from downtown Halifax, as parking will be limited and traffic is anticipated to be heavy.
The Red Nose Run will kick off just ahead of the parade, begins at approximately 6 p.m. on Upper Water Street, south of the CFB Halifax Dockyard. Participants will then travel along Barrington Street, right onto Spring Garden Road, left onto South Park Street and finally right onto University Avenue. The parade then continues past the IWK Children’s Hospital and ends at the corner of University Avenue and Robie Street.
Streets along the parade route will be closed to traffic beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, but will reopen once the parade and spectators have safely moved on from the area. Please note Robie Street northbound at University Avenue will also shut down at 4:30 p.m.
There will be no parking anywhere along the parade route and on some streets within close proximity, between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturday. Parking on University Avenue will not be permitted after 3 p.m. This includes parking meters, which will be covered with special event bags. Please remember there is no parking allowed at any time in bicycle lanes, as per the provincial Motor Vehicle Act. Vehicles in violation will be ticketed and towed.
Halifax Transit is offering free ferry service between the Alderney and Halifax ferry terminals from 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and will operate on a 15-minute frequency during this time. In lieu of fare payment, ferry passengers are encouraged to bring a food or monetary donation to support the Parker Street Food & Furniture Bank.
Halifax Transit buses that normally travel on the affected downtown Halifax streets will be detoured starting at 4 p.m. Residents can visit the Service Disruptions page for more information on affected routes.
The Halifax Regional Municipality, The Chronicle Herald, Downtown Halifax Business Commission and all event sponsors appreciate your patience and cooperation to help make the 24th annual Holiday Parade of Lights and Red Nose Run a safe and enjoyable night for everyone.
For more information on these events, please visit http://holidayparadeoflights.ca