Organizers are working hard to get the word out regarding changes to this year's rodeo parade route, scheduled to take place on Aug. 31.
While parade floats usually line up near the soccer fields, and enter main street near the Co-op, ongoing construction which has been delayed by a wet summer is forcing some changes to be made. Penny Fox, parade coordinator, says the Town of St. Paul and Co-op have both tried their best to have construction complete in time for the parade, but due to weather challenges, that hasn't been possible.
A decision to change the parade route was made to ensure everyone's safety, says Fox. Floats will now line up along 53rd Avenue, in the area across from B&D Industrial. Floats will not be organized by category, but instead judges will be placed along the parade route itself, and prizes will be handed out after the parade.
Fox says organizers were planning to change how judging took place anyways, since it's more accurate to judge a float when it's moving along its route. People won't know who or where the judges will be placed along the route.
The parade floats will begin assembling at 8 a.m., so groups that arrive first will be placed near the beginning of the parade. Floats will begin to move toward main street, and will wait at 46th Street until the Rodeo Mile racers pass by. Fox anticipates the parade will begin shortly at 10 a.m.
"We will wait for the race to go by."
The route will move east on main street from 46th Street for one block and will turn south at 45th Street at the Circle K convenience store. It will head south to 48th Avenue, and will then turn west moving passed Heritage Homes and the elementary school.
The route will then head south at Sunnyside Manor and go along Extendicare on 47th Avenue, then back north on 47th Street, up to main street. The parade will enter onto main street at the Catholic Church and will head west all the way to the UFO landing pad, like usual, finishing at the St. Paul Rec. Centre.
Fox notes that people who normally watch the parade near the Co-op, Tim Hortons or McDonald's will have to find a different spot to sit. She adds that there are plenty of parking lots just off main street and she's confident there will be enough space for everyone.
Another safety issue that Fox and fellow organizers are pushing even harder this year is the fact that people are prohibited from throwing any candy from any moving floats. Organizations must have people walking if they wish to throw candy.
Fox explains that the St. Paul Ag Society's insurance company is enforcing this rule, and if people do not abide by it, it could jeopardize future parades. Fox says she has heard from people on floats who say they have nearly hit children along the parade route, due to candy being thrown on the road.
Parents are asked to keep children on the curb, and walkers will be directed to throw candy toward the curb, and not on the road. The parade route is about 2.5 km in length, and groups are asked to plan accordingly when choosing who their walkers are.
"We will be talking to each parade participant," says Fox, adding, if someone were to get hurt during the parade, there likely wouldn't be a parade in the future.
"Safety is a priority . . . we have no choice."
This year's parade theme is "Food and Farm" and a special category will be set aside for floats who decorate according to the theme.
When asked why the theme was chosen, Fox says, "There's a greater awareness of local food and agriculture in our province . . . so we're trying to encourage that."
Participants entering floats in the parade must submit a completed form by 4 p.m. on Aug. 30. Drop of can be done at Community Futures in St. Paul. For more information contact Fox at 780-645-5782 or [email protected] to contact by email.
