Parade will go on with town’s help

Times Reporter    

 

The Heritage Days parade will go on thanks to the help of the town. On June 4 at the regular town council meeting, Robert Breitwieser read a letter on behalf of the Strathmore and District Chamber of Commerce. The letter had been drafted by acting president Joyce Bazant (who has since resigned from the role), stating that at the May 26 meeting, the board made the decision to request that Town of Strathmore takes over the organization of the 2014 parade.  

“Over the past several years the Chamber of Commerce has struggled to organize the parade and due to the lack of personnel the chamber is unable to complete this task this year,” said Breitwieser reading from the letter. 

The letter further stated that the board of directors is hoping the town will take it over; the board thanked the town and said they will do what they can to assist. 

Councillor Rocky Blokland was at the board meeting and said the chamber had some concerns about whether or not they would be able to take the organization and planning back over in the future once membership and volunteers are up. 

Councillor Bob Sobol said he is hoping this continues to be a cooperative effort between the town and chamber. There were also questions raised about the chamber continuing with the judging of the floats this year. 

Breitwieser said the indication he got was that there wouldn’t be, but that is something that will be determined by the town. 

“We will take direction from the administration and the town as to how we can participate. We will participate and we definitely are going to have a float,” said Breitwieser. 

Municipal Clerk Jennifer Sawatzky informed council that the community services department has indicated that they would be capable of taking over the event and would like to continue to partner with the chamber to ensure the success of the parade. Council approved the request. The parade will be taking place on August 2.