By Melissa Smalley
A huge crowd, record participation and plenty of Christmas spirit made for a successful Santa Claus Parade in downtown 100 Mile House last week.
With close to 40 groups participating in the parade, and hundreds of spectators enjoying the festivities, Janet Lilly says the event was a huge success.
"I think that was the most people I've ever seen downtown at one time," Lilly says of the Nov. 18 event.
Prior to the parade kicking off on Birch Avenue, dozens of youngsters were thrilled to spot Santa and Mrs. Claus flying into town from the North Pole aboard a Cariboo Air plane.
After landing at the airport, the duo greeted the excited children before boarding their float for the parade.
Lilly says she has received plenty of positive feedback about the event, but notes there are a few improvements that could be made for next year's parade.
"I'm going to talk to the District [of 100 Mile House] about getting “Santa Claus Parade” signs put up at each end of town, where the Welcome to 100 Mile House signs are."
She adds that parking along Birch Avenue – which was supposed to be prohibited after 5 p.m. – posed a bit of a problem.
Next year, Lilly says she will look at closing the stretch of Birch Avenue down earlier in the evening to allow for people who are parked there to move their vehicles, and keep the road clear and safe for the floats and spectators.
Following the success of this year's parade, Lilly says she hopes to expand and improve upon the event next year.
Perhaps we can add some additional entertainment or street vendors.
"Next year, we'll have to get started a little earlier and see what other new things we can come up with."
Parade winners
• Best Effort by a Walking Group – Cedar Crest Society for Community Living
• Best Representation of the Theme Commercial – BC Hydro
• Best Representation of the Theme Non-Commercial – Lake Of The Trees Bible Camp
• Best Effort by an Individual – Denise Little
• Best Effort by a School – StrongStart