Large crowd and great weather for 2013 Pincher Creek Parade

2013 Pincher Creek Parade
C. Davis photo

Toni Lucas - The weather cooperated by being hot and sunny for Pincher Creek's 61st Annual Parade on Saturday, August 17.    The festivities planned for the day included the parade, rodeo, and events at individual locations around town.

Rotary Club Breakfast
C. Davis photo

As has become a tradition here, parade day started with a hearty  pancake breakfast supplied and served by the Pincher Creek Rotary Club in the parking lot of the Provincial Building on Main Street.  Those in attendance enjoyed a $3.00 feast and free coffee from the McDonald's McCafe truck, with entertainment supplied by the Edmonton Transit Pipe Band.  Some of the kids even got to make some noise and bang on their big bass drum.

Banging on the drum
T. Lucas photo

When it comes to mixing batter Mayor Ernie Olsen knows the drill

C. Davis photo

People lined Main Street and kids readied for what they hoped would be a fun show, and to claim their personal haul of candy that they were quite obviously eager to collect. Organized by the Pincher Creek Chamber of Commerce, the  theme this year was 'Beach Party', and many of the floats reflected that theme.

Several local children with decorated bicycles things off, acting as an advance patrol to let the crowds know the parade was on its way.  Then the Pincher Creek Legion led the parade proper with a Colour Guard followed by the Kimberly Pipe Band and 3 RCMP members in their distinctive red serge uniforms.

Gerry Smith photo

There were many on horseback, vehicles of all descriptions, floats, people walking in costumes, and cyclists that proudly strutted their stuff along the route smiling, waving, and many threw treats to the onlookers.

Town of Cardston Councillor Maggie Kronen
Gerry Smith photo

Councils for the Town of Pincher Creek and the MD of Pincher Creek had an appropriately "Survivor" themed float, considering elections for both are approaching:  Other dignitaries included Livingstone-Macleod MLA Pat Stier, members of the Crowsnest Pass Municipal Council including CNP Mayor Bruce Decoux, Junior Miss Piikani Cross Child, and representative floats from Cardston, Sparwood and Claresholm.  Thanks for coming!

Pincher Creek Pro Rodeo cowgirls
T. Lucas photo

Miss Rodeo Pincher Creek Chelsea Stokke was joined by Miss Rodeo Taber Tianna Meier at the head of the Pincher Creek Pro Rodeo contingent, on horseback of course.  Pincher Creek District 4-H was well represented, their award winning float  reminding us that they are celebrating 100 years of 4-H in Canada this year.

Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump representatives
Gerry Smith photo

There were too many excellent floats to list them all here without forgetting some deserving of mention...  be sure to watch the video.

The Pincher Creek Swimming Pool was probably best prepared for the "Beach Party" theme, naturally.  Elise Wocknitz perched up high on a lifeguard station was fairly dramatic.  A side note: our local Dolphins swim club just concluded one of their best seasons ever.  Stay tuned for Provincials results.

Gerry Smith photo

An RCMP beach themed float and Pincher Creek and area Emergency Services vehicles followed by Bob Westrop, who once again served as an excellent Parade Marshal and MC for the event.  Westrop helped things run smoothly at the start of the parade by directing traffic and floats to their start positions.  As he brought up the rear of the parade  he let those that were lining the street know where the different points of interest around town for the day were.  He thanked everyone who came out to be in or watch the parade, and invited everyone to enjoy the rodeo.

Pincher Creek Co-op GM David Crowell with Stiltwalkers
T. Lucas photo

Following the Parade there was Beef on a Bun at the Ranchland Mall where two members of the National Stiltwalkers of Canada entertained the crowd.  Other events in town included a luncheon at Sobeys featuring a performance of the Edmonton Transit Pipe Band, and the Pincher Creek Legion had the Kimberley Pipe Band and musician Phil Wayne to enliven their post-parade party.

Chamber of Commerce President Sharon Roberts
C. Davis photo

"I think the Parade went very well," said Chamber of Commerce President Sharon Roberts afterwards.  Aside from some minor traffic difficulties that can happen with any parade she felt it ran very smoothly and that the theme of the parade was well received.  "We had some excellent floats, and the turnout was fabulous.  People were happy that the Edmonton Pipe Band would stop and play."  Although she had no hints as to what is in store for next years parade she said, " We're analysing what worked, and starting to plan toward next year."

Stay tuned for official results of the float judging.

The Pincher Creek Chamber of Commerce is to be commended for once again organizing the parade, seemingly without a hitch.  How they arranged for a hot sunny Saturday this unusually wet summer is a mystery.  Hats off to Chamber President Sharon Roberts, to staff members Lieve Parisis and Jannet Findlater, and to the rest of the Chamber board.