Overcast skies and intermittent rainfall on Saturday were not enough to dampen people's spirited enthusiasm for Sundre's annual parade.
Despite an overnight downpour that left plenty of muddy puddles — presenting an irresistible opportunity for many children to joyfully splash around in rain boots — only a relatively minor drizzle fell towards the end of the procession.
"Thank you God, for easing up on the rain!" said a relieved Mayor Terry Leslie with a smile in the lead-up to the parade at the staging grounds, adding he was glad to see a "wonderful turnout with all of the folks that have come to the pancake breakfast."
The floats were looking spectacular as more and more people packed along the parade route in anticipation of a great day, said Leslie.
"The three marching bands that are here today confirmed at 4 o'clock in the morning with the coordinator, so they're committed," he said, referring to the Calgary Round Up Band, the Red Deer Royals as well as the Innisfail Pipe Band.
The mayor added his favourite part of the parade is seeing "all of the people who come together as a community — everybody sharing stories and having a great day."
Organizer Moe Fahey seemed to agree.
“It went fantastic despite all the rain — everybody was in good spirits,” said Fahey, who co-organizes the event with Heidi Overguard.
There were 109 parade entries this year, and people were stepping up until the last minute to help volunteer, she added.
The Calgary Round-Up Band’s liaison volunteers told organizers that the marching band’s members were impressed by how well Sundre’s parade was organized, she said.
“They were in awe how a small town has such a professional parade,” she said.
“That is the highest compliment ever.”
And for the most part, the roundabouts did not create any problems for the entries, and for some people merely added an element of humour, she said, adding horses had no problems navigating the traffic calming measures.
There were seven categories — horse, youth, municipal and professional, antique motor, community spirit, commercial business, as well as small business — and this year's overall winning entry was from the Sundre Municipal Library, she said.
Looking ahead to next year’s parade, Fahey said organizers would begin planning the big undertaking in August. While she appreciates the efforts of everyone who makes available their time, she hopes to next year have more people lined up in advance as well as to possibly find a protégé to pass along the reins to.
Ron Richardson, a lifetime Sundre resident who comes out to see the parade every year, brought out his three boys along with his girlfriend's son.
"It's a day out. It's fun, and the kids like it," he said, adding they're always keen to get some candy.
Dean Melcher and his wife Cheryl, Sundre residents of about 16 years, rode out on their bikes with their son Lochlan, who also looked forward to scrambling for some sweets. Dean said he enjoys the opportunity to check out the vintage vehicles. But first things first, they went over to the pancake breakfast hosted courtesy of the Sundre IGA, which free of charge fed a few thousand people.
"We like it every year," said Cheryl, calling the parade a chance for the family to go out and have some fun together.
Calgary residents Barry McLeod and his wife Jan, who a couple of years ago relocated to the city to be closer to family, used to farm near Delia, northeast of Drumheller.
"We've been coming out to the Sundre area for about 25 years," Barry said, adding a group of friends enjoyed gathering to play golf at the nearby courses.
However, they had never before checked out Sundre's parade.
"It was excellent," Barry said after the last entries had passed by.
"We were quite amazed with the bands. We've attended the Drumheller parade for years, and I don't think it can measure!"
Sundre resident and father Josh Rozenhart was with his oldest son Sam, 6, catching the rodeo action later that afternoon, but had been sure not to miss the parade.
"They put on a good parade this year. It was long, which was awesome. Lots of different floats, so it was good," he said, adding that seeing all of the businesses pitching in was great.
His words of advice for anyone out there who has not yet come out to see the parade and rodeo?
"Come down — it's a lot of fun. Just make sure you dress for the weather. That's Alberta, you might get snow some years, but it doesn't matter!"
