About 100 entries are lined up this year to participate in the Stampede Parade which happens in downtown Williams Lake Saturday, July 2 starting at 10 a.m.
Expect to see all kinds of horse entries, floats, bands, musical groups, First Nations, youth, mascots, and more.
The parade theme this year is Round Up 2011 and there is a $500 prize for the entry most in keeping with the theme.
Honorary parade marshal Jimmy Lulua will be mounted on horseback this year with the riders and wagons making the trek to the rodeo on horseback and by wagon.
Shriners, Stone Warriors hockey team, Stampede, Quesnel and Kitsap royalty, Miss Rodeo Canada Princess Kirsten Braumandl, Cariboo MLA Donna Barnett, and Cowboy Hall of Fame inductees are just some of the VIPs participating in the parade.
Dale Taylor will be the parade announcer and Shaw Cable will be filming the parade for people who are unable to attend.
STREET
PARTY
Right after the parade, about noon Saturday, the City’s downtown core sets up for the annual Street Party, a free afternoon of family and kid friendly fun — unless of course you fancy a souvinier or something to eat from one of the many vendors that will be set up along the route.
Oliver Street from Mackenzie Avenue to Fourth Avenue will be blocked off to traffic for the party.
There will be horse-drawn wagon rides, a car show, and an art wall to paint on.
There will be games, magic shows, crafts, a petting zoo and more for kids, and lots of music, dancing, and entertainment on several stages that will be set up at strategic locations.
Spirit Square becomes First Nations Square for the day with the Nitehawks, Francis Johnson, hoop dancing, Eagle Spirit plus vendors and various activities.
Over in front of Woodland Jewellers is Kidsville set up with a sandbox scavenger hunt, painting, face painting, sidewalk drawing and crafts.
On Second Avenue by Willies’ Western Wear national high school rodeo finalists will be offering roping lessons.
There will be bouncy castles for kids to play in and mini go carts for them to race in.
Kids get a real kick out of the Guitar Hero rock off that will be set up outside Sight and Sound.
The Vintage Stage with the Lakers Car Club show and music by Arnie Zimmerman and Done-Rite DJ Service will be set up at the bottom of Oliver Street.
The stage at Herb Gardner Park features music with Tanis Family Mountain Music, Perfect Match, Oren Barter and Zumba dancing by Curves.
Main Stage at Oliver Street and Second Avenue features Dynamic Downfall, Soupbone, Jessie Chapin Band and more introduced by master of ceremonies Dale Taylor.
There will be a petting zoo put on by Chimney Valley 4-H Club and magic tricks performed by Clint Gray.
At the Community Stage in the Cariboo Grower’s Cooperative parking lot there will be demonstrations of belly dancing and yoga.
There will be performances by Mark Gilman and Jessie Rajala Chapin in a solo acoustic set.