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OPINION Theres an old phrase that everyone loves a parade. However, here in Halton Hills not everyone can seem to agree when to love the local Santa Claus parades. As evidenced by writer Ted Browns Nov. 9 column and e-mails and letters (including two on this page) received by this newspaper, the timing of the annual tributes to Santa particularly the Georgetown parade have irked some residents. When it comes to observing Remembrance Day, Georgetown and Glen Williams have always held cere- monies the weekend prior to Nov. 11. When Remembrance Day falls on that weekend (as it did this year on Sunday) some people feel holding the parade that weekend is a sign of disrespect to veterans. We sincerely doubt parade organizers who literally begin work on the next parade a year in advance deliberately intend to steal the spotlight so rightly reserved for the veterans. In fact, when Remembrance Day has fallen on the second Saturday in November (as it did last year), organizers moved the parade to Sunday, Nov. 12. Still, its a matter of perception. Frankly, were in agreement with young letter writer Kimberly Ivany (opposite) who finds the Christmas season begins far too soon. The argument that the Georgetown parade is always held the second Saturday in November doesnt wash as it has been held several times in late November and even early December in the past 20 years. Were sure there are a myriad of hurdles for organiz- ers to overcome in moving the parade date further back on the calendar (and theres always nastier weath- er to consider). Perhaps the Georgetown and Acton parades could be held back to back (Saturday and Sunday) on the same weekend or perhaps the same day (one in the daytime the other in the evening). Or maybe and heres a radical thought holding ONE parade to celebrate the best all of Halton Hills (thats Georgetown and Acton) has to offer. The parade could be held in each community in alternating years. Were sure there is a way to celebrate the holiday season and Remembrance Day in this great community without anyone being offended or upset. A matter of timing The Independent & Free Press is published every Wednesday and Friday at 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown Ont., L7G 4B1. It is one of several newspapers published by Metroland Media Group Ltd. Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of a typographical error, that portion of the advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with reasonable allowance for sig- nature will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the acceptable rate. In the event of typographical error advertising goods or services at wrong price, goods or ser- vices may not be sold. Advertising is merely an offer to sell which may be withdrawn at any time. Editorial and advertising content of The Independent & Free Press is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Price: Store copies 50 each; Subscriptions $26 per year by carrier; $92.50 per year by mail in Canada; $130 per year in all other countries. Plus G.S.T. Second Class Mail Registration Number 6869. The Independent & Free Press is a member of The Canadian Community Newspaper Association and The Ontario Community Newspaper Association. Steve Nease THE INDEPENDENT & FREE PRESS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear editor, I want to express my frustration in regards to the fact that the Christmas season is already starting to take over Georgetown despite Christmas being more than a month away. Stores have already started to stock up with everything from Christmas trees to blow-up Santas for the lawn. I was in the Superstore before Oct. 31 and found that the Halloween section of the store had been cleared away to make room for Christmas dr. Consumerism has exploded out of control. Major corporations are so concerned about making money, theyll commercialize every public event and holiday as early as they can. There is never a time when we dont feel obligated to spend our money since the stores are constantly demanding that we move on, buy more and keep up. An event that relates to this issue is the Georgetown Santa Claus Parade. It think its unnecessary to have this Christmas kick-off in the middle of November. People are still enjoying the fall season and Halloween would have just passed. December 10 would be much more suitable. More importantly, however, this event was held the day before Remembrance Day. All my life I have been lectured about the importance of this signifi- cant holiday and how its expected of me to demonstrate the utmost respect for this commemoration. Is this what we call being respectful- shadowing such an important day by commercializing a holiday that is nearly two months away? Are we supposed to wear a Santa hat or a poppy? It doesnt make sense to me. Kimberly Ivany, Grade 12 Georgetown Santa parade more suitable for December Letters to the editor must include an address and daytime telephone number. Unsigned letters will not be published. Letters should not exceed 200 words and may be edited for content and/or length. Mail or drop off: Independent & Free Press, 280 Guelph St., Unit 29, Georgetown, ON., L7G 4B1 E-mail: jmcghie@independentfreepress.com Something bugging you? Publisher Ken Nugent Advertising director Steve Foreman (sforeman@independentfreepress.com) Retail advertising manager Cindi Campbell (ccampbell@independentfreepress.com) Managing editor John McGhie (jmcghie@independentfreepress.com) Distribution manager Nancy Geissler (distribution@independentfreepress.com) ADVERTISING Advertising co-ordinator Jennifer Christie (jchristie@independentfreepress.com) Retail Sales: Jennifer Spencer (jspencer@independentfreepress.com) Andrew Key (akey@independentfreepress.com) Brendan Louth (blouth@independentfreepress.com) Amy Sykes (features@independentfreepress.com) Real estate: Sue Spizziri (realestate@independentfreepress.com) Classifieds: Kristie Pells (classified@independentfreepress.com) ACCOUNTING Rose Marie Gauthier, Michelle Wimmer EDITORIAL Cynthia Gamble: News editor (cgamble@independentfreepress.com) Ted Brown: Photography (tbrown@independentfreepress.com) Lisa Tallyn: Staff writer (ltallyn@independentfreepress.com) Eamonn Maher: Staff writer/sports (emaher@independentfreepress.com) PRODUCTION: Mary Lou Foreman, Kevin Powell, Shelli Harrison, Dolores Black, Debbie MacDougall STAFF DIRECTORY Send us a letter! Phone: 905-873-0301 Fax: 905-873-0398www.independentfreepress.com Dear editor, A great big thank you to the Lions Club of Georgetown for producing another wonderful Santa Claus Parade. I know I speak for most people when I commend them for all their hard work and effort. These volun- teers gladly give of their time and tal- ents for the sake of the children in this town, and having seen the faces of those children, and their excite- ment in enjoying the parade, I would say it was a worthwhile task and well done. On the same note I would like to refute Ted Browns (Nov. 9) column, which spoke so negatively about the parade being held on the weekend of Remembrance Day. Might I remind you that many of those participating in the parade were also involved with the veterans, and many of them had family and friends in the various wars. Believe me, they have NOT for- gotten. I would also like to remind you that this parade is always held on the second Saturday in November, both for the Georgetown retailers, and to accommodate the Acton Santa Parade, which is always held on the third weekend in November, and in which some of the same bands/floats are involved. (The idea of marching in both parades on the same day is totally unacceptable as many seniors and children are involved.) Last year, the parade date was changed from Saturday to Sunday evening, in order to respect Remembrance Day. Surely you must know how much time and effort is involved in orga- nizing such a huge spectacle, and arrangements begin many months in advance, which poses great difficul- ties for changing dates, as this also reflects on participants who plan their itinerary a year ahead. Most importantly, the Lions did join with our veterans in observing Remembrance Day, solemnly and unchallenged, on the day it was des- ignated! That day was Sunday November 11. I think you owe them and this town an apology! Marian Ritchie, Georgetown Parade doesnt conflict with Remembrance Day 6 Independent & Free Press, Wednesday, November 21, 2007 More letters pages 7, 9