This year commemorates the 75th anniversary of the North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo. In celebration, on Monday, Sept. 2, the Family Parade is bigger, better and longer than ever.
We have extended the route to include a promenade in front of the grandstand in the rodeo arena. All entries will be announced as they make their way in front of the audience. Special recognition and shout-out for the individual or group whose costume illuminates the 75th-anniversary theme “Come Home for the Harvest”.
You, your family, and your pets are encouraged to join in the fun. Grab your best pal, two-legged or four-legged, heck even one-legged. Dress up to make a statement and come on down to march your way to a prize. But even without a prize, it’ll be the most fun you can have on a holiday Monday.
This costumed walking parade is your chance to show your friends and neighbours just how zany you can be. No excuses. This parade is for anyone and everyone who enjoys a good time.
- Decorate your wheelbarrow, dress up as Dr. Dig’em Dirt, and join the parade
- Put your child in a wagon, rig up a flag and you have a float in the parade.
- Put Grandma on her moto-scooter, put on her best hat and, hey presto, she can join the parade.
- Little Suzy can ride her tricycle.
- Little Johnny can ride his bike.
- Dress up Grandpa as a scarecrow on rollerblades.
- Put your dad and your goat in matching costumes and send them along.
- Live animal not required: You can ride a stick horse. Just bring along the right attitude!
- You can come as yourself, just as long as you bring your spirit of fun and joy to the community.
- 9:00 a.m. - Registration takes place at Barriere High School (BHS). Everyone who shows up gets into the parade. No fee. No restrictions. (Note: This is a family fun parade, so decorum is expected.)
- 9:30 a.m.- The judging of entrants begins. Don’t be late! Please be on time as this year the entrants will be numbered for the lineup to ensure accurate announcing as we make our way in front of the grandstand.
- 10:00 a.m. - The parade leaves Barriere High School. The parade route starts at BHS, then up Barriere Lake Road to the Fall Fair Grounds, into the arena and ends at the Fall Fair Stage.
Special ribbons and prize money will be awarded following the parade. One $25 cash prize for the best “Come Home for the Harvest” theme and four additional $25 cash prizes for the “Best of the Best”.
The following are some ideas for categories you might want to consider.
- Decorated tricycle or bicycle.
- On-foot parade participants can be a pair, group, or individual.
- Motorized units.
- Decorated wagon — size doesn’t matter.
- Decorated stroller.
- Best dressed Superhero.
- Costumed child and pet: pair, group, individual.
- Costumed child on horse: pair, group, individual.
- Best group on foot or a float.
Special thanks to the parade sponsor: The Thompson Valley Players.
