ST. PAUL - This year’s rodeo parade is set for Saturday at 10 a.m. The parade often draws thousands of spectators, lined along St. Paul’s main street, near senior lodges, and other facilities as it winds its way through town.
This year’s theme is “Back in the Saddle Again,” but no judging will take place this year, so parade floats will not have to separate into categories when they line up Saturday morning, according to the parade manual, which can be access through the St. Paul AG Society’s website.
Once again, there will be no throwing of candy or other objects directly from moving parade floats. Treats must be handed out by walkers who walk beside floats as they move along the parade route.
“This prevents children running out into the street and putting themselves at risk of being hit by items moving in the parade,” according to the parade manual. “Our insurance company requires that we can no longer allow candy to be thrown.”
Registrations for the parade must be returned to the St. Paul AG Society by 4 p.m. on Sept. 1, either by mail, email or dropped off at the Community Futures-St. Paul Smoky Lake Region office, located on main street in St. Paul.
Route
The parade will assemble at the St. Paul soccer fields, and head south on 42nd Street. The parade will turn west onto main street for a few blocks before heading south at 45th Street. Floats will wind their way past Sunnyside Manor and Extendicare, then head back north on 47th Street, past the east side of the hospital, making their way back to main street.
The parade will then head west on main street once again, all the way to the UFO landing pad, and will come to an end at the St. Paul Rec. Centre.
The total route is 3.2 km.
Following the parade, the Smitty’s Family Fun Zone will take place at the curling rink, starting at 11:30 a.m., which will include a petting zoo, Agland tractor pull, and more.
Then, the third rodeo performance of the week will take place, which is also kids’ day at the arena. The rodeo is set to begin at 12:30 p.m. The fourth rodeo performance of the weekend will take place at 7 p.m. Saturday night, and a beerfest will be held at the St. Paul Rec. Centre Saturday night also.
