It’s time to get your game on for the Daybreak Rotary Williams Lake Stampede Parade.
The theme this year is Fun N’ Games and it’s not too late to enter a float!
“We’re approaching 70 entries so we should be over 100 by the time we’re done,” said Erik Zweirs, one of five parade marshals organizing the parade this year.
There are entries coming from around 100 Mile, Quesnel, Prince George.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for Alex Debogorski, from the History Channel’s Ice Road Truckers, who will be driving in the parade for James Western Star Truck & Trailer.
“You’re going to see a lot of everything: a lot of horses, a lot of First Nation floats, a lot of kids right up to seniors, a lot of colour, sounds and music,” said Zweirs.
The parade starts at 10 a.m. for those who want to watch and the route will be the same as last year: following Fourth Avenue from Proctor Street, turning left on Borland heading right onto Oliver, and then straight down until it turns right on First Avenue, ending on the corner of Proctor and First.
For entries however, registration and assembly starts at 7 a.m. and the judging happens at 8 a.m. precisely.
The best themed entry wins a $500 cash prize. New this year is a $250 prize for the best dressed animal (that isn’t a horse). There will also be a $100 prize for the best live musical band. “We wanted to try something different and see if people wanted to bring some of their pets along,” said Zwiers. “We are hoping that people can have some fun with it.”
Other prizes are as follows: In the Equine category: best dressed cowboy; best dressed cowgirl; horse group; and buggy/wagon.
In the Float category: best municipal; commercial; youth; and community group.
In the Youth category: best dressed girl (14 & under); best dressed boy (14 $ under).
In the Automotive category: antique car/truck (1900-1950); classic car/truck (1950-2006); special interest car/truck; best decorated rig; and best stock car. There are also awards for bands and mascots.
The parade is also still looking for volunteers to help with the barricades, said Zweirs.
“If people want to help they can come out to the Compassionate Care parking lot Saturday morning,” he said.