INNISFAIL – It was just like the ones of the past. Citizens came early to secure the best seats. Excited children wondered about the rumours of free candy. Everyone wanted to see and feel the warmth of collective smiles.
At 10:30 a.m. sharp on Sept. 4 it all began. The Innisfail Annual Rotary Rodeo Parade returned to mark the town’s long-held tradition of jointly celebrating the summer and the Daines Ranch Pro Rodeo.
It was all a little later this year, but no one minded. What counted most was that the parade and rodeo were both back.
There were Mounties on horseback beginning this year’s longstanding tradition at the intersection of 49th Street and 51st Avenue. The parade then moved north to 50th Street where it headed east and then south on 50th Avenue. Thrilled onlookers saw this year’s parade marshal and long-time community builder Clarence Stewart wave to the crowd. Members of town council rolled by in their own vehicle. There were many beautiful floats with plenty of infectious happy smiles.
And of course, thousands and thousands of candies were gently tossed to overjoyed children.
“I think it was great, especially when you consider it had to be a last-minute effort and with the rodeo deciding to go ahead and the Rotary club helping,” said Town of Innisfail Mayor Jim Romane, adding it was the right tonic for local citizens who have endured the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic for the past 18 months. “The last year and a half has been a nightmare. This was an outside event and people are quite content in their outside environment and this was a chance for them to sit on the grass and watch the parade. I think it was well-received.”
The annual parade, which is usually held in June, was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic. In 2021, it was not held in June either and many thought it would once again be a casualty from COVID. But earlier this summer when pandemic infection numbers began to drop, the decision was made by rodeo officials to go ahead in September. In late July it was then decided by the Rotary Club of Innisfail and the Town of Innisfail that the parade must also go on.
“I think it was a huge success. We had about 30 entries for the parade. The weather was great, blue skies and lots going on around town. I don’t think we could have had a nicer weekend to do this,” said Tammy Thompson, president of the local Rotary club, acknowledging that while this year’s parade was shorter than in previous years citizens stepped up under short notice to make it a success. “It was a little bit of a short notice this year and being on a long weekend it was a bit more challenging than it has been in the past.
“I am thankful for the people who came out to help to participate, fellow Rotarians, friends and family members who (went) out to help judge and marshal the parade,” she added. They did a great job.”
Bill and Norma Hoppins are two longtime local volunteers who once again helped out at the parade. The couple, who have been volunteers at the parade for more than 20 years, judged the floats' commercial section. Bill said he was left with “positive feelings” about this year’s event.
“It wasn’t as large as previous parades but I think it did show that our community is resilient and can pull things together and celebrate the great aspects of our community,” said Bill. “What impressed me the most was that we had this parade amongst these pandemic conditions and the positive attitude of everyone involved.
“It was a really uplifting event, lots of smiles, good conversations and a real celebratory tone.”
