Duane Hicks
With less than four weeks to go until the annual “Parade of Lights” here Nov. 28, organizers are reminding the public to think about entering floats and volunteering.
“We’ve had people register already. We’ve had lots of inquiries,” said Brenda Kellar of Causeway General Insurance Brokers Ltd., which has agreed to organize and sponsor the 52nd-annual Christmas parade this year.
She noted there is no theme this year other than “Parade of Lights,” so float entrants are free to express themselves in the Yuletide fashion they choose—as long as it’s bright and festive.
They also should can keep in mind, however, that they may be in the running for prizes in five categories: best church or school group float ($75); best non-profit organization float ($75); best business float ($75); best recreational group float ($75); and best decorated individual ($25).
But such a community event can’t happen without plenty of helping hands.
“We are still looking for volunteers,” stressed Kellar. “We need lots of volunteers, so people can call me at Causeway.”
She explained volunteer jobs could vary from putting up parade posters and other prep work to standing at the intersections to put up and remove barricades to walking along the parade route, making sure kids are safe.
Kellar added Fort Frances High School students especially are encouraged to help out and get credit for those mandatory volunteer hours needed to graduate.
To pre-register a float or volunteer, call B93•FM at 274-5341 or Kellar at Causeway General Insurance (274-6688).
As stated, the parade will take place Saturday, Nov. 28, with the lineup starting at 3 p.m. at the old CN station on Fourth Street West.
Those at the lineup can have hot chocolate and coffee before the parade, courtesy of Gano Excel Canada rep Lori Delbo.
Float judging will take place at 4 p.m.
The parade then will get underway by 5 p.m. It will run south on Central Avenue, turn east onto Scott Street, and proceed through the downtown area to the Memorial Sports Centre.
The B93•FM float once again will be collecting non-perishable food items and cash donations for the Salvation Army’s food bank.
The Causeway office (229 Scott St.) also will be a drop-off site for food donations in case people want to donate goods but can’t make it to the parade, or will be too busy with their floats during the parade.
