The May Day parade is a tradition in Clearwater on the Victoria Day long weekend, and the Valley Pride Society once again hosted the day’s events on May 18.
This is the second year for the Valley Pride-hosted parade, and participants decorated vehicles, themselves and floats in colourful ways to celebrate the 2024 theme of “Why you love where you live”.
Residents and tourists alike enjoyed the delicious Elks-sponsored pancake breakfast and all the fixings, and were entertained by singer Justine Hunt while strolling through the country-style Farmers’ Market. It started at the Elks Hall and carried through to the grounds of the Dutch Lake Community Centre (DLCC) field in the afternoon.
As the anticipation built for the kids, with billowing storm clouds looking ready to spill precious rain and patches of bright blue sky as a backdrop, people of all ages lined the parade route, bringing their own chairs or blankets to grab the best vantage point before the sirens and horns of emergency vehicles signaled the start of the procession.
The first responder units from Wells Gray Search and Rescue, Clearwater, Blackpool and Little Fort Fire Departments, BC Ambulance Service, and the Clearwater RCMP didn’t hold back, deploying sirens and lights while throwing out lots of treats for young and old alike along the route. Local businesses, groups and individuals joined in the candy tosses along the way.
Clearwater mayor Merlin Blackwell and Barriere mayor Ward Stamer both joined in the fun, riding in unique vehicles. Blackwell drove his own 1964 Datsun collector truck, hauling his movable “Downtown” directional sign pole, and Stamer rode in an older model GMC pickup, waving to the crowd.
The parade sponsors included the Valley Pride Society, Wells Gray Community Forest, On Call Service Centre, the District of Clearwater, the Community and Unity Coffee House, Buy Low Foods, and Yellowhead Community Services.
Families cheered, waved and applauded as they lined the route, which started at Kershaw subdivision and travelled along the Old Highway through the Brookfield shopping area. It ended at DLCC’s large field, where vendors welcomed the community to spend an afternoon enjoying games, activities and crafts for the kids, musical performances, and some delicious food under the Buy Low tent.
Gateway Grill and the mother/daughter team of Harjit Sandhu and Princess Mavi served up some delicious Indian-style Hakka noodles and hotdogs by donation, with many returning for seconds after sampling the tasty vegan veggie-loaded spiced noodle dish.
Coordinators Theresa Braaten and Valley Pride’s executive director Kalen Jones were met with applause and cheers from the crowd gathered on the field following the parade as they thanked all of the participants and those attending this year’s popular event.
Jones addressed the crowd, saying “This year was such a fabulous parade and we have to thank Theresa for another amazing year and all of her hard work in planning and organizing this successful day.” The crowd responded with more rousing cheers and applause.
Accepting the microphone from Jones, parade coordinator Braaten spoke with emotion, saying “Kalen is so awesome for our town. He’s wonderful to work with and he puts on so many community events for all of us to enjoy while still running his catering and restaurant company. Please show him your thanks.”
Pausing to allow the sounds of cheers for Jones, Braaten announced the “best of” parade winners in specific categories:
Silver seniors: Wells Gray Country Seniors Society
Vibrant Youth Group: Clearwater Minor Hockey
Hot Wheels: Madison Clark and crew
Brilliant Business: BC Parks with Living in Love Events
Home Hardware
All winners received a $50 prize.
Braaten added, “A very gracious thank you to Home Hardware for donating their winnings back. Thanks to the road crew from On Call Service Centre; Tyson, Darlene, Kevin, Dave, Joey, Thomas, and Daniel. They did a fantastic job keeping the route safe and organized.
“Thanks to the volunteers for manning the side roads; Orlynn, Lyle, Fred, Barb, Jason, Brendan, Craig, and Lynne the registrar and Jason for judging. These things just can’t happen without volunteers so thanks so much for your time and effort.”
The coordinator also thanked the main sponsors before passing the musical introduction on to Unity Coffee House host and beloved community musician Tom Coles, who reminded everyone of the talented musicians and performers who come out to entertain during the winter season at coffee houses in the valley and during the summer season as part of the Wells Gray Lively Arts roster.
Wells Gray Lively Arts will soon be starting off a new line-up of talent (to be announced) on the DLCC stage starting in June. The popular weekly musical evening attracts locals and tourists throughout the summer.
