INNISFAIL – Blue skies and sunshine welcomed the crowds for the 59th annual Innisfail Rotary Parade.
Innisfail and area residents, with families and visitors, lined the parade route on Saturday (June 15) to see dozens of floats from local businesses, clubs, churches, levels of government, sports teams, organizations and town staff.
Included in that lineup were the Innisfail Eagles, this year’s parade marshals. They were honoured with the title after an outstanding 2018-19 senior men's hockey season, making it all the way to the Allan Cup final in April.
“It’s pretty special,” said Brian Sutter, Eagles head coach. “This is a great community and we’re honoured to be doing what we’re doing today and be a part of it.
“It’s awesome to see the families here,” he added.
Innisfail Eagles forward Tyler Beechey joined his teammates, staff and management in celebrating the day with their families.
“The kids are always excited to come out and do this and so are we,” said Beechey. “We’re happy to be here, it’s a great town, the fans are great and we love to support the community.”
Longtime Innisfail resident Ruth Moore was attending her 43rd consecutive parade.
"It is a nice little parade," said Moore, adding how the parade has grown in recent years. "It's bigger and there's more interesting stuff. We got to come and see it."
Innisfail's Joy’s School of Dance has been part of the annual parade for about 10 years.
“I think it’s wonderful for the town to do community activities like this where everybody can be involved,” said Joy McIIwain, owner. “It’s a way for us to be a part of the community, show our support and thank them for the support they’ve given us.”
Innisfail mayor Jim Romane said he was happy to see the crowds out and plenty of floats and participants this year.
“It’s a great day for a parade,” said Romane. “It’s our only parade event of the year and it ties together well with the rodeo weekend.”
Megan Hubschmid, a local Remax/Compass representative, was participating in the event for the first time.
“I think it’s great. It gives all the businesses exposure, supports our local community and helps support the Daines rodeo as well,” Hubschmid concluded.
