Everybody loves a parade. Even if it’s rolling along during a cold winter night.
With just hours to go before the Friday night Light Up downtown parade in Lac La Biche, organizers are saying the morning’s -30 degree temperatures will warm to a balmy -20 or so by the time the parade starts — and the plans for the annual event continue to roll along.
The decision not to cancel the parade and the lighting of the 40-foot-tall downtown Christmas tree was made by the organizers as some groups were thinking about pulling out of the parade due to the cold weather conditions.
“The parade goes rain, shine or cold,” said one organizer, while another said the sun will heat things up through the day, offering less cold than the thermometers showed first thing in the morning.
At 11 am, the temperatures were still reported to be -28 Celsius.
Little warmer
According to the LakelandToday.ca’s link to Environment Canada’s weather forecast for the day, temperatures are expected to warm up to -19 Celsius by 5 pm — the day’s high temperature — then dipping back -21 by 8 pm.
The parade is set to begin at 6:30 pm, with the lighting of the tree and the announcement of the junior citizen of the year to follow. Hot chocolate stands will be set up, plus the parade route will have bannock and hot tea available, as well as a bake sale.
Some downtown stores are also expected to stay open late for shopping — and a warm place for residents — during the event.
Organizers say that more than 20 businesses and organizations have registered to take part in the downtown parade.
Those attending the event are encouraged to dress for the weather — and bring non-perishable food items for the Waskaysoo Food Bank.
