Float dedicated to Nathan wins first in Canada Day parade

Canada Day dawned cool and cloudy in Blue River, after two days of blistering heat.

Just after 11 a.m. the parade started on it’s route, led by the fire truck. Cyclists Brittney McNabb, Celina Trainor, Meghan, and Roberta Anderson decorated the wheels of their bikes with red and white streamers and carried curling Canadian flag banners.

Father Saskas joined the cyclists carrying a Canadian flag.

Floats included Mike Wiegele’s Voyageur Canoes, Kinder Morgan’s Riverboat, Blue River Campground’s Canoes, and a float representing Hollywood and Main Tattoos and Snoworks.

This float featured an excellent sketch of the Blue River Hotel, an important local landmark until it burned down twenty-three years ago.

Aboard the float was a picnic table and a group of happy campers. Winner of the first prize, the float was dedicated to the memory of fourteen year old Nathan Nicol.

Legion members rode proudly under flags and banners, Suz Cartage’s entry was a PT Cruiser convertible in which Sue herself sat sporting an impressive Canada Day tophat.

Our rescue truck, a red ATV driven by Stephen Fehr and Michele Wiegele on in line skates were followed by the horses with their riders, John Beaton, Phyllis Werstuik, Justeen Lester, Kristie Ralph, Melissa Williams and Pete Gawazuk.

While all the western costumes were good, Melissa Williams in her brown suede, won first prize as best representing our heritage.

The parade wound up at the lake where the assembled throng faced the large Canadian Flag hanging from the decorated diving tower and joined emcee Barb Quinn in the singing of “Oh Canada” at noon.

An afternoon including events such as a watermelon eating contest, nail pounding, a waiter/waitress race, sandcastle building and canoe races provided much enjoyment for all.

A few sprinkles of rain refreshed the crowd but did not dampen their enthusiasm.

Prizes were awarded to the winners of the various beach competitions. Our school children had each shown considerable thought, imagination and artistic skill in their entries for the Canada Day Poster Contest sponsored by the Legion.

Prizes of $10 each were awarded to Braden Affleck, Utah Wolf, Tyler Kohlhauser, Daniel Schuh, Tim Affleck, Mac Alain, Brittney McNabb and Willow Sailes.

At 4 p.m. the assembled folk sang “Happy Birthday” to Canada and shared a delicious and gigantic birthday cake decorated with maple leaves, berries, and chocolate curls.

The cake, donated by Mike Wiegele provided a wonderful finale to the official celebration of Canada’s 141 birthday.

Barb Quinn, Kathy Kohlhauser and their team of helpers are much appreciated for making the day so enjoyable for all.