LAC LA BICHE - On Friday, large crowds turned out to watch both the annual Lac La Biche Summer Days parade and the water bomber demonstration that followed.
Before the parade got underway at 11 a.m., spectators lined the route, which began at the David Thompson statue, and went down Churchill Drive, making a right turn onto 100 St. before ending on 100 Ave., near the Parkland Motel 1.
A group of RCMP officers dressed in their ceremonial red serge uniforms led the procession, which featured more than 40 floats. These floats represented a variety of area businesses, service organizations and clubs, as well as sport and recreation groups.
Many of those riding in or walking alongside the floats threw candy and other goodies to the youngsters who stood with their families along the route.
Water bombing aircraft have been a common sight in the skies over many parts of Alberta this summer constantly battling wildfires. However, after the parade, the group of water bombers that flew around Lac La Biche lake - much to the delight of those gathered along the lakeshore to watch - demonstrated what they were capable of doing, by releasing loads of water into the lake.