INNISFAIL – Earl Dreeshen figures he’s been to at least 60 editions of the annual Innisfail Rotary Pro Rodeo Parade.
But this year he almost became a victim of the parade’s extraordinary success as his vehicle got stuck in traffic in the parade’s staging area less than an hour before the 10:30 a.m. start on June 17.
But no one was complaining.
Parade organizers, thrilled there were 57 registered floats compared to 32 last year, quickly helped the local MP with the problem and Dreeshen held on to his smile.
“We had to shuffle things around a little bit but I’m a good driver and we managed to weave our way around the back and it worked,” said Dreeshen, who was accompanied by his wife Judy and nine-year-old grandson Julian.
He noticed there was a great mood in the air; a feeling of positivity.
“It's good to be here, especially on Father's Day weekend,” said Dreeshen. “Everybody was in such a great mood. It’s a beautiful day for it; not to hot and no rain.”
Organizers had everything prepared in case the rain came.
There was a pancake breakfast inside the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion Branch #104 that began at 8:30 a.m.
Local singer and songwriter Cole Martin entertained at Banker’s Corner with a solid set of tunes from 9:30 a.m. until the start of the parade.
“It feels really good to get back out there and just enjoy being normal again and having some fun,” said Martin.
When the parade started with a trio of Mounties resplendent in Red Serge at the lead, many among the large crowds on both sides of Main Street were thrilled to see Premier Danielle Smith at the head of the event and waving to them.
As the 57 floats, which included seven for dignitaries, rolled forward, scores of children excitedly scrambled for candy that was tossed their way.
Many in the crowd were either new Innisfailians or visitors from out of town.
`“It’s a great parade; our first time coming out,” said Brett Castaldo, who was attending his first Innisfail parade with wife Brielle and seven-year-old son Caison. “This is for the little guy; kids love to be here.”
The parade lasted just over 35 minutes. The main organizers, including the Town of Innisfail and the Rotary Club of Innisfail, were ecstatic with the parade’s success.
“It was incredible, and always amazing to celebrate the Daines pro rodeo. The turnout was incredible; lots of smiling faces and people having so much fun,” said Kane Williams, recreation program coordinator for the Town of Innisfail. “We were so well represented by so many amazing floats and so many amazing people and families.”
Rotary parade organizer Dani Rain said she was “speechless” how well the annual event went; especially the participation of the Alberta premier.
“It was a fantastic success, and I hope we can do it again next year. I think it was amazing that Danielle Smith came. I'm actually kind of speechless,” said Rain, adding 38 first, second and third place ribbons were handed out for top floats in five different categories.
“I think the parade went pretty smoothly, as good as it can go,” she said, noting the hard work by volunteers. “I don't do it alone. All of those people come together, and we all make it happen.”
