Parade kicks off rodeo and summer

Hundreds of local and area residents took in the annual Innisfail Rotary parade under sunny skies on Saturday, June 18.

The traditional event, held on Father's Day weekend each year, helps celebrate the Innisfail Pro Rodeo at the Daines Ranch and the official start of summer.

Local businesses, clubs, churches and organizations participated in the Rotary parade that featured about 45 floats, local celebrities and a “Salute to Active Communities” theme.

Parade marshals NHL star Kris Russell, and Innisfail Athletes of the Year Courtney Dickson and Josh Gette, waved to spectators along the parade route.

“The Town of Innisfail and the chamber of commerce assist the Rotary Club in putting on the parade,” said Lisa Darcy, marketing and social media administrator with the town. “The chamber supports businesses in the community and gets them involved with the parade and the town itself helps get the word out, do marketing and take registrations for the Rotary Club to help them.”

The Rotary Club of Innisfail provides 10 to 15 volunteers on the parade day, helps with the organization and conducts judging of floats, noted Darcy.

Prior to the parade residents and visitors enjoyed a pancake breakfast at the Innisfail Royal Canadian Legion from 8 to 10 a.m. and afterwards a barbecue with beef on a bun was held at the Innisfail Co-op store to help support the Innisfail Loft Society.

Local resident Tara Earle and her seven-year-old daughter Lilly Prevost, were two of hundreds who lined the streets to see this year's parade.

“We've been coming to the parade for years,” said Earle. “It's a very nice day for a parade. It usually rains, but we still sit here through the rain as well. It's a tradition for us.”

Earle noted how much she and her daughter look forward to the parade every year.

“I feel like every year it's bigger and better. They get more people out here to watch it,” said Earle. “It's a good community event.”

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