Entries open for annual Battleford parade

Jun 13, 2018 | 1:00 PM

Anyone planning to take part in the Town of Battleford’s annual parade can sign up now, and entry forms are available on the town’s website. Those wishing to field a float will need to register in advance to participate in the big event, which is planned for Aug. 10.

“August seventh is really when we want to get all the entries in by,” Parks and Recreation Director Jordan Schechtel said.

Schechtel invited people to bring out their horses, commercial floats, and antique cars. He also encouraged youth groups and community bands to sign up and take part. He said he hopes to see a good turnout of participants for the parade’s 35th year.

“I think it’s important,” he said. “The community seems to really enjoy it, so it’s a good event.”

Schechtel said the parade is also an ideal way for people to promote their community groups and businesses. Last year, he said about 50 entries were registered for the event.

The town had some challenges getting enough participants for the 2017 parade, causing concerns the event might not proceed, but more people stepped forward to join in and ensure the event went ahead.

“Initially we were concerned, for sure, but it all worked out,” Schechtel said.

The Saskatchewan Handcraft Festival in Battleford officially ended in 2017 after running in the town for many years each July. As a result, the town decided to move its parade from July to August to more closely align with North Battleford’s annual Northwest Territorial Days Parade.

Schechtel said the town’s recreation department hopes people putting their floats into North Battleford’s parade will also want to have them run in Battleford. As another incentive to encourage participation, the town started storing the floats at the Battleford arena last year to make it more convenient to take part in both parades.

“We’ll do that again, but there’s limited space,” Schechtel said. “About 10 is the maximum in there, so it’s first come, first served.”  

Following the parade this year, the town is planning a fireworks display in the large, grassy area by 10th St., near Fort Battleford, after sunset Aug. 10.  

 

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW