The 2016 Daybreak Rotary Stampede Parade pays tribute to two special events this year, the Williams Lake Stampede’s 90th anniversary and the 40th Annual B.C. Elders Gathering.
A Tribute to 90 Years of Stampede is the theme for this year’s parade in keeping with the Stampede’s 90th anniversary, says parade committee chair Ron Malmas.
Malmas says the parade committee is also honoured that Jim Sr. and Dinah Lulua of Nemiah Valley, who are serving as the King and Queen of the 40th Annual B.C. Elders Gathering taking place in Williams Lake July 12 to 14, have accepted their invitation to be this year’s honorary parade marshals.
“Our 2015 parade saw 97 entries with more than 1,500 participants and we are anticipating even more entries this year for the more than 10,000 spectators who enjoy the parades year after year,” says Malmas.
The parade committee is also looking for volunteers to help with manning barricades and marshalling during the parade.
Parade registration forms can be picked up and dropped off at Western Financial on Oliver Street and at the Williams Lake Tourist Information Centre.
This year’s parade will be on July 2 starting at 10 a.m.
The route starts at Fourth Avenue and Proctor Street, making its way along Borland Street and then all the way along Oliver Street turning right on First Avenue for a few blocks and ending at Proctor and First Avenue.