It's May. That's the only month of the year with May Days, and that's the only way to get a May Days Parade to happen.
For the past 85 years the local Elks Lodge No. 122 has been out in front of the annual downtown parade. All except one year. Due to organizational snags and some business distraction, the parade never took a step in 2014.
That won't be repeated.
Nancie Krushelnicki, a lodge representative and chair of the organizational committee, said the event would march forward again on Saturday.
"We had an increased number of volunteers interested in helping," she said. "As this is Prince George's hundredth anniversary and our lodge being in P.G. for about 90 of those years, this was an opportunity we wanted to take to show we are proud of our city and proud to serve our community."
Organizers found the appetite in the public was healthy, again, too, after the parade's brief hiatus.
"We did some significant lobbying, this past year, we made a concentrated effort to get out there and discuss this with businesses and other organizations. People were really responsive. They wanted to join and show their dedication to our 100-year-old city on its birthday."
Mayor Lyn Hall will be the honorary parade marshal. The procession will be led by the Community Pipe Band with contributions from the Elks Lodge itself, its partner group the Royal Purple, plus businesses like Canfor, Rona and Excel Transportation, and agencies like the Native Friendship Centre, Elder Citizens Recreation Association and the band Country Cousins, Prince George Corrections Service honour guard, some old time fiddlers, some vintage motorcycles, an equestrian drill team, classic cars, popular plush mascots, and much more.
The parade begins at 11 a.m. - rain or shine - from the Four Seasons Pool, through Canada Games Plaza, up Seventh Avenue to Victoria Street, northwards down Victoria to Third Avenue, then to George Street, and finally ending at city hall.
It is not too late to enter a float or book a spot in the train of mobile features. Anyone interested in joining the parade can register by contacting Dawn Crawford by email ([email protected]) or phone 250-277-2524.
All others, just line the streets and enjoy the 86th year of the Prince George May Days Parade.
