Pioneer Days parade sets new record

This year’s Pioneer Days parade will set a new record for the number of entries.

Steinbach Chamber of Commerce executive director Tessa Masi confirmed this week that the 145 entries that will take to the streets on Friday are indeed the most they’ve had in 58 years.

This year also marks a return to the former parade route which had been impossible due to construction on Highway 12 for the last two years.

This year the parade will begin on Main Street and Kroeker Ave., proceed down Main Street, turn north on Highway 12 and pull off the road at the Traiblazers’ parking lot.

Some safety changes have been made for this year.

No child under the age of 10 will be able to walk the parade route this year. Instead, they can ride on floats or in vehicles.

Organizers had planned to close down Main Street going in both directions but said because of the amount of road closures in Manitoba, the necessary signage was simply not available.

“We really want to encourage people to still have a safety mindset, and to look out for the kids that maybe are getting too excited about the candy and keep them back on the curb,” Masi said. “Safety is everyone’s responsibility and we’re trying our best. We really appreciate other people pitching in and having that as their mindset as well.”

Parade entries are up for four awards including best pioneer spirit, most creative, most engaging and judges’ choice.

The parade begins at 10 a.m. on Friday.