Perfect weather was a treat for the myriad of Bentley parade watchers.
The route was packed with families and people of all ages who were offered free popcorn and lemonade out on the sidewalk by Servus Credit Union staff while waiting in the mid down town area. Kids were waiting in anticipation, ready with their treat bags to snatch up any treats tossed their way.
The theme this year honored the Sunset Hills Riding Club’s 50th anniversary. The club was formed in March of 1962. A parade through town, which continues to this day, was organized by members the following year.
Despite there being no marching band there was still music, some of it recognizably that of Bentley’s own Dick Damron.
For the second time, parade organizer JoAnn Butcher got sponsors and donations for winning entrants of the different categories to go along with a trophy.
In the Commercial Section, the Best Overall and the Best Decorated Float went to the Monkey Top. Land Solutions’ “stagecoach” was awarded the Best Decorated Vehicle, and the Bentley General Store took Best Novelty.
In the Organization Section, Best Overall and Best Novelty went to the Bentley Firefighters Foundation. Best Decorated Float was that of the Bentley Generals, and Best Decorated Vehicle was the Sunset Hills Riding Club.
The City of Red Deer captured Best Decorated Municipal Float and the City of Lacombe had Best Decorated Municipal Vehicle.
Overall winner in the Antique Vehicles category and winner in the Antique Farm Machinery category was Garry Peterson’s John Deere pump engines display. Jack Siebenga again won Best Antique and Best Classic Truck with his 1946 Fargo. Ted Lightbown’s 1958 Ford won Best Antique and Best Classic Car.
Wild West Willie, the huge Brahma steer owned by Doug Rogers, ridden by Kimorie Rogers this year, won Best Novelty in the Animal category. Doug was busy driving a team.
Best Overall Novelty (no animals) went to the Martin’s Barber Shop entry.
Dave and Judy Hueppelsheuser’s Democrat took Best Light Horse Drawn Vehicle and Rory Butcher’s entry won Best Heavy Horse Drawn Vehicle. The Sunset Hills Riding Club’s Garry Butcher, Phil Butcher, and Harvey Brink won Best Club in the Horse Section.
Kathi Issler of the Bentley Firefighters Foundation won the Individual Best Western Dressed, and Matched Pairs went to Del Fox from Leslieville and his team of Fjords.
The Bentley Generals mascot, Toro the Bull, was judged Best in the Pet Section. Land Solutions’ “stagecoach” vehicle was Best Novelty (no horses) and Nathan Hoskin won Best Decorated Bike. He was on the GLDC float.
The Bentley Generals entry was named Best Parade Entry Overall.
Parade marshal JoAnn Butcher is already trying to figure out how to book a marching band for next year’s parade. She says it is increasingly hard to get bands at a price Bentley can afford during the summer, and especially on a Thursday — and Bentley’s Thursday parade is the tradition.