Once again The Battlefords Quarter Horse Club is out to bring Santa Clause to town, the cowboy way!
Continuing, and building on the success of the club's two previous Christmas parades, members are excited to present our the annual Cowboy
Christmas Parade, says spokesman Ray Cox.
Cowboys and cowgirls will be saddling up and hooking up to help put cheer into Christmas for those children less fortunate this Christmas season, Cox says.
"Christmas is supposed to be the happiest of seasons. So again this Christmas season, we saddle up and ride for a reason. Kids! All the proceeds raised, and all the gifts collected go to The Empty Stocking Fund of the Battlefords," he explains.
The parades have raised over $16,000 the last two years. The club invites
everyone to join in, equine enthusiasts or not, to make this years
parade the most successful one yet.
"There is nothing to it," says Cox. "Just saddle your horses or hook up your team and come be a part of this unique one of a kind event.
"Heck, you can even walk or hitch a ride on someone's wagon. This is a parade for all, and for all ages. So mark your calendar, make your plans, invite a friend, and come have an afternoon of fun and excitement with us." It is important to note, no motorized vehicles are permitted.
Last year more than the parade drew 100 hundred participants as well as many volunteer supporters.
"The weather was awesome as we rode through downtown Battleford behind our brand marshall, film and movie star, Mr. Gordon Tootoosis himself. Also the mayor of Battleford showed his grit, his support, and his Christmas spirit, as he joined with us once again," Cox recalls.
The main draw, the big man himself, Santa Claus, will be bringing up the rear, with a TV crew on board.
"He never missed a wave or a 'ho ho ho," says Cox.
Santa once again will be making an appearance at the gazebo to pick up gifts brought there by the generous families in the Battlefords.
Once again the parade is hosted by the Town of Battleford.
"We greatly appreciate Mayor Chris Odishaw and all the wonderful members of the town council for opening up the town and welcoming us, so that we could help support The Empty Stocking Fund," Cox says.
The parade will begin and finish at Fort Battleford Saturday, Nov.
13. Registration starts at 11 a.m. with the parade hitting the trail at 1 p.m.
Entry fee is $35 per participant, which includes a meal and one chance to
win a grand prize. Last year the club gave away over $6,500 in donated prizes. These were prizes rewarded to those who raised funds for the parade. There is no fee to be a participant in the parade for those who do not wish to
take in the meal, or want to win a prize.
"Just come parade with us and we'll buy you coffee. If you would like to participate in any manner, please get in touch with us. Everyone is welcome," Cox adds.
Fireworks in winter? You bet! This year, the evening of the Christmas parade, the Town of Battleford will be shooting off fireworks. This will be a first, having them this late in the year. With the cooler temperatures, this should be an colourful show. This will be a must see. The time and place are still to be announced and will be posted soon.
"We know without the support of all of our sponsors we would never have been as successful. Without the dedication of our riders and volunteers, we would not be here again this year doing another parade," Cox says.
" we can't say enough about the awesome people in our communities that lined the streets and supported the cowboys and cowgirls. Big thanks y'all.
"We measure our success by the the smiles we see.
"Merry Christmas and God bless!"
