Organizers hope for more parade entries

After a fight to save the Airdrie Canada Day parade, Alderman Ron Chapman hopes the event will prove it's worth and be bigger and better than ever.

His appreciation for the annual event came when a shortage of volunteers this year nearly forced it to be cancelled. Now equipped with the necessary manpower, Chapman hopes to surpass the 90 entries that were in last year’s parade.

“We’d love to have 100 parade entries,” Chapman said.

The deadline is June 25, and there are 60 entries so far.

Parade entries can range from decorated trailers to walking groups.

Businesses pay a $50 entrance fee while the fee is waived for non-profit organizations.

“It’s a family event. It gets the neighbours out,” Chapman said.

Entries will be judged on creativity and consistency with the parade theme - Celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee - and winners will receive ribbons.

“Have fun with it, stay safe and be tasteful,” Chapman said.

Other events in Airdrie throughout the day include a barbecue fundraiser at the public library, a Dog Day Afternoon in Nose Creek Park and a pumped up fireworks display at dusk in East Lake Athletic Park.

“It’s going to be at least twice as large as last year,” Chapman said of the fireworks.

The parade will kickoff the Canada Day celebration beginning at 10 a.m.

It will begin on Virginia Street in the tri-school area and follow the traditional loop down First Ave., heading south on Main Street, and ending at the intersection of Allen Street and First Ave.

Roads will close at 9:45 a.m.

The parade will finish with a non-perishable food item collection by the fire department for the food bank to kick off the Fill the Firetruck campaign.

“Get there early, respect volunteers, and if anyone needs anything, there will be first aid on the parade route,” Chapman said.

There will be two access points to the Urgent Care Centre: Allen and Main Street and First Avenue North and Main Street.

“All the plans are in place,” Chapman said.

Register to enter the parade online by June 25 at: www.airdrieprorodeo.net.

To find a complete list of Canada Day activities in Airdrie visit: www.airdrie.ca