Everybody loves a parade.
Exciting plans are in the works for the Rotary Christmas Parade to be held on Dec. 7, sponsored by City of Chilliwack, according to organizers Sharon Dueck and Chloe Popove.
“We’re trying to nurture this fantastic community event,” said Dueck.
Chilliwack has struggled to find a local community organization or business to undertake the downtown event.
The Rotary Clubs of Chilliwack have stepped forward this year, putting resources together to bring the event back to life.
Organizers are now looking for broad community engagement, in the form of parade float entries, and performers signing up for pre-parade entertainment spots, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., along the Christmas Parade route.
“It’s all about warm and cozies. This is Christmas we’re talking about,” said Dueck. “We want to make this Chilliwack’s parade again.”
On Oct. 18, they’ll be auditioning local performers to fill pre-parade entertainment spots at 7 p.m. at 45892 Wellington Avenue at the Vineyard Community Centre. They want buskers, singers, dancers, musicians, magicians and more.
“Whoever shows up can show us what they got,” she said. “The public is welcome to come watch. We need audience and performers.”
This year the parade activity is going to continue east of Five Corners, on Yale Road east and include tents, bleachers and volunteer entertainers.
“I think this will really help us realize the value of our downtown,”
Pick up copies of the float entry application at Sutton Downtown Business Centre, at 9240 Young Rd. or download from chilliwackchristmasparade.com. Email to rotarychristmasparade@gmail.com.