More parade floats sought

Duane Hicks

With the 2016 “Community Christmas Parade” set for next Saturday (Nov. 26), the lead organizer would love to see more groups and businesses enter floats.
“People have been registering floats for the better part of a month,” noted parade co-ordinator Scott Krienke-Turvey of Ink Spotz Apparel+.
“The problem is the numbers are down from last year.
“Unfortunately, a lot of people are going out of town next weekend,” he added. “And some groups have just decided that they just need a year off.
“We definitely could use as many participants as possible.”
Those wishing to enter a float are asked to pre-register by e-mailing ffsanta2016@gmail.com or calling the Fort Frances Chamber of Commerce (274-5773).
The registration deadline is next Thursday (Nov. 24), although the sooner Krienke-Turvey knows, the better.
This year’s theme is “Songs of Christmas,” with entrants free to interpret the theme however they choose.
The parade will start at 5:30 p.m. at Reid Avenue and proceed west along Scott Street, ending at Mowat Avenue (the public is asked to stay off Reid Avenue and watch the parade from Scott Street).
Krienke-Turvey said he has float judges lined up and quite a few volunteers on board to work the parade, including several Muskie teams.
But he would like to see more groups come forth to serve up hot chocolate along the route.
“Last year we had a number of groups do hot chocolate along the sides, and it really was a nice thing,” said Krienke-Turvey, adding he got very positive feedback about this feature.
“I’d like to see more of that this year.
“Right now, I think I’ve got one group and another one that’s thinking about it,” he noted.
“But if we could get a couple more groups for hot chocolate, that would be amazing.”
Any groups who want to participate by serving hot chocolate can e-mail ffsanta2016@gmail.com or call the Chamber office.