Duane Hicks
After considering the notion of moving the 54th-annual “Parade of Lights” to the riverfront, organizers have decided to keep the route nearly the same as previous years.
Brenda Kellar, of Causeway General Insurance Brokers Ltd., said the parade, which will be held Saturday, Nov. 26, will start at the Fort Frances Volunteer Bureau (old CN station), proceed down Central Avenue, and then turn east on Scott Street.
Where the parade will end still is being decided. Having it disband at the Memorial Sports Centre parking lot, which is always busy at that time of year due to hockey, has proven problematic in the past.
“We’ve got a few different places in mind,” Kellar noted.
Kellar put out a call last week to solicit public input on the possible route change and got a small amount of feedback—all of which supported the parade staying downtown and not moving to the La Verendrye Parkway (Front Street).
The theme this year will be “Festival of Trees.”
“We want people to take that into consideration, with whatever type of tree they want to put on their float, whether it be a traditional tree or a Charlie Brown-type tree, which mine probably would be,” chuckled Kellar.
“Just keep in mind that is theme and it’s what we’re aiming for.”
The parade lineup will start at 3 p.m., with float judging between 3:45 and 4:15, and then the parade starting at 4:30, which is a half-hour earlier than usual.
Kellar said they found having people wait until 5 p.m. was just a little too long.
Since the parade will take place prior to the closing time for downtown merchants, Kellar said she will be in contact with the BIA to pitch them ideas to go along with the spirit of the event, such as asking businesses to put a decorated tree outside their door.
As in past years, the parade needs volunteers, with Kellar saying those interested can start contacting her any time.
Volunteer tasks can range from manning the barricades along the parade route to putting up posters.
Kellar said the Muskie cheerleaders handed out candy along the route last year, and she’ll be contacting them again to see if they’ll do the job.
If they’re not interested, that will be another job for volunteers.
As well, volunteers handed out hot chocolate to parade-goers last year. But Kellar said this year, there appears to be a couple of other groups that want to give out hot chocolate and apple cider, and so volunteers may not be needed for that.
Kellar added helping out with the parade is a good way for Fort High students to earn those community hours needed to graduate.
Volunteers can call Kellar at 274-6688 or e-mail her at brenda@causewayinsurance.com.
Those with questions about the parade, or wishing to enter a float, also can contact her.
