When the crowds queue up for the Battleford parade this year, some will be looking for new vantage points from which to watch the floats go by.
Unlike previous years when it formed up on the track behind St. Vital School, floats and other entries will gather at Fort Battleford.
This will be the 30th annual parade for Battleford, with the theme being "pearl," as in the traditional anniversary symbol. It will be held Friday at 8 p.m.
The new route will see the parade move down Central Avenue from the Fort to 15th Street, where it will turn and move west to 2nd Avenue. It will follow 2nd Avenue to 22nd Street, where it will turn east and travel back to Central Avenue, then return by Central to the Fort.
The move to Fort Battleford will allow for the Battle River Settlement Foundation Inc. and Friends of the Fort to hold some activities at the Fort in conjunction with the parade, including kids' face painting, musical entertainment, beer gardens and a concession. Festivities get underway at 7 p.m. The usual fireworks will be held in that area as well at 11 p.m.
Randy Redding, superintendent of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Battleford said at Monday's council meeting people will be allowed to park along Central Avenue, but only if they park on the grass or in the ditch. The paved area of the road isn't wide enough for the parade if vehicles are parked on the asphalt.
The parade is held each year on the Friday evening of the annual Saskatchewan Handcraft Festival. This year's festival runs Friday through Sunday at the Alex Dillabough Centre.
