Terry Fox's dad named grand marshal of Vancouver's Santa Claus parade

The father of Marathon of Hope runner Terry Fox hasbeen named grand marshal of Vancouver's 12th annual Santa Clausparade.

Organizers have announced Rolly Fox will lead the annual parade that kicks off the holiday season in Vancouver and attracts 300,000 spectators to the downtown core.

Fox was selected to honour the 35th anniversary of the Marathonof Hope as well as the tremendous work done by the Terry FoxFoundation to raise money for cancer research.

The announcement came as thelastof 300 street banners were hungalong the parade route.

More than 3,500 people on floats and in marching bands, choirs and community groups, will take part in the parade slated for Dec. 6 at 1 p.m. PT.

Spectators are urged to bring cash or a non-perishable fooddonation. Since 2004, the Santa Claus parade has helpedraise more than $140,000 and 34,000 kilograms of food for the FoodBank and Lower Mainland families in need.