Good weather helped draw record crowds and parade participants for the Westlock Agricultural Fair’s Aug. 16 parade.
“Last year we had 56 (floats) check-in and this year we had 81,” said parade marshal Cheyanne Erickson. “We’ve increased our check-ins at the front desk and the emergency vehicles don’t even check-in — and they make a big part of this parade.”
It was a particularly memorable day for 17 teens who built the Westlock & District 4-H Club’s float — an act that ultimately won a prize for being the “best” float overall.
It created a sense of merriment and joy, explained 4-H leader Frida Van Dijk, noting it was an excellent way for her club to kick off the agricultural festivities last weekend.
“It’s pretty awesome,” said Van Dijk. “We didn’t think we’d win. We just thought we’d participate and show people what 4-H is about and it was pretty fun.”
She explained the youngest member of her troupe was only seven and the oldest was about 18.
Although Erickson was not a judge of the parade, she said 4-H was an excellent candidate for the prize.
“It was very well represented and we haven’t had too many 4-H floats in the past,” she added. “It was an excellent float to represent 4-H and it was really great to see.”
But everybody who participated in the parade was recognized for their efforts and as many as five winners were selected in five different categories, ranging from animals to vintage, commercial, non-commercial and miscellaneous.
Erickson said the biggest change to the summer event was the emergency personnel presence, including fire trucks from all over the district.
“It was wonderful to see. They started the parade instead of ending it.”
1. Moose on the Move -
Westlock & District 4-H Club
2. Lorie Pine - Peruviane
3. Hugh Caliber - Caneries
4. Majestic Performance - Painted horses
1. Canadian Tractor Museum
2. Westlock Truck Parts
3. Weise Family
4. Ron Thoma
5. Cecil Summerset
1. Morinville Square Dance Club
2. Westlock Public Library
3. Royal Canadian Legion
4. Westlock T-Birds
1. Westlock County
2. Westlock A&W
3. Champion Feeds
4. Brown’s Chrysler
5. Westlock Veterinary Clinic
1. Westlock Foundation
2. Town of Westlock
3. Taekwondo
4. Junior Forest Rangers
5. Westlock Playschool
