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Everybody Loves a Parade

Everyone loves a parade and for the past 25 years residents in Fort Macleod have enjoyed their annual Santa Claus Parade. In honour of its 25th anniversary, the parade organizers wanted to do something special to celebrate. A grant from the Foundation made that possible.

Organizers attracted seven bands from as far away as Red Deer and Calgary to add to the festive quality of the parade, although in the end, the winter weather did not cooperate. "We don't pay the bands, but the grant allowed us to help them defray travel expenses," said Riet Kleissen, Economic Development Officer Assistant. " We were also able to put on a special reception for the many volunteers who have been involved with the parade since that first year. We were surprised and pleased with the number of people who have continued their support of the parade." In addition they were able to invite Jim Mountain, the gentleman who thought up the parade in the first place. "He was thrilled to come and see how the project has grown and developed over the years."