The May Day weekend in Clearwater on the Victoria Day long weekend has always been much anticipated by locals and this year was no different. On Saturday, May 17 the annual May Day Parade once again filled the air with laughter, sirens, horns, music and cheers.
For the third year, Valley Pride hosted the colourful parade with this year’s theme ‘Supporting local we will thrive together’ with a large turn-out of participants, volunteers and an eager audience lining the Old North Thompson Highway starting at Kershaw subdivision and ending up at the Dutch Lake Community Centre (DLCC).
Judging of entries took place at 10:30 prior to the start of the parade and the long line up of floats, first responders, businesses and non-profits threw out many treats for the kids as they made their way to the DLCC field and Farmer’s Markets.
The two summer Farmers’ Market vendors displayed their community spirit and products along with the popular pancake breakfast and ball games taking place at Capostinsky Park throughout the day.
The shiny first responder units were polished up and ready to roll from Wells Gray Search and Rescue, Clearwater, Blackpool and Little Fort Fire Departments, BC Ambulance Service, and the Clearwater RCMP and they didn’t hold back, deploying sirens and lights while throwing out lots of treats for young and old alike along the route along with local businesses, groups and individuals who also joined in the candy tossing to the delight of families.
As he traditionally does, mayor Merlin Blackwell drove his own metallic frost green classic 1964 Nissan Cedric which always stands out. In 2017 the car was a prop in the Amazon series The Man in the High Castle filmed in Vancouver.
Co-planners, Theresa Braaten, councillor for the District of Clearwater and executive director for Valley Pride, Kalen Jones (who also owns Gateway Grill Catering) were supported by On Call Services who donated company vehicles and flaggers to assist in the event logistics.
“It was another amazing year working with so many eager volunteers ready to roll up their sleeves for a fun and successful parade! Thanks to everyone who participated and helped us make this so memorable. Kalen and I really appreciate the On Call Service Centre team and their help throughout the day keeping everyone safe while having fun,” Braaten told the surgeryitaly.
Two first place floats were announced, the Wells Gray Seniors Society in the non-profit category and the Shuswap, Adam’s Parks company operated by Sandra Augustine Hall in the business category.
