A route change will address long-standing safety and timing concerns with the Salmon Arm Fair parade.
The Shuswap Agricultural Association (SAA) has written the city asking for permission to hold the event, scheduled to run between 9 a.m. and noon on Saturday, Aug. 23.
This year's parade route is being changed so that it avoids crossing Highway 1 to run through the downtown.
The parade will begin in front of the Westgate Public Market along 10th Avenue SW, and flow back as far as DeMille's Farm Market if needed. Participants will travel along 10th to the Shuswap Street intersection where they'll turn and continue to 5th Avenue, turn left at 5th Ave and continue to 3rd Street where any they can return to the fairgrounds.
The SAA said this change will ensure the safety of volunteers, participants and spectators from start to finish. It will also avoid breaking up the parade at the highway crossing lights while en route to the downtown.
The SAA is asking the city to use the vacant lot opposite of DeMille’s for parade entries and the gravel lot by the Safeway soccer field. It is also asking for traffic signs, hi-vis vests and direction paddles for volunteers who will be directing traffic at intersections.
The SAA's letter is on the agenda for the May 12 city council meeting, which begins at 2:30 p.m in council chambers.
