The parade route was absolutely packed with spectators; the popularity of the Bentley parade continues.
The overwhelmingly predominant color for the 2011 Bentley fair and rodeo parade was purple in recognition of the Bentley Royal Purple’s 50th anniversary — the theme chosen for this year’s fair. Royal Purple members were riding on a variety of floats.
Despite there being no Mounties, Sunset Hills Riders or marching band to lead off the parade, there was lots of color, enthusiasm, and myriad local and not-so-local entries.
Parade organizer JoAnn Butcher said she did something different this year — she got sponsors and donations for prize money for some of the winning entrants of the different categories this year.
Winning best overall entry in the parade and best decorated float in the commercial section, was again Altered Images Hair Salon. The amazing overall appearance was hard not to notice: the float was covered with gigantic beautiful colorful pansies tying in to the Royal Purple theme.
Overall winner in the antique vehicles category was Garry Peterson’s 1924 Waterloo Boy tractor. Jack Siebenga won antique truck and Gail Wilson won antique car.
Classic car winner was Bob Szasz’ 1968 Cadillac and classic truck winner was Walter Gillard’s 1949 Mercury, with Bob Szasz the overall classic winner.
Best municipal float overall and best village float was won by the Parkland Beach entry.
Best commercial novelty section winner was the Monkey Top Saloon.
Ramona’s Hairstyling again won best decorated commercial vehicle.
Overall best organization float was won by the Bentley Care Centre. The Bentley Ag Society won best decorated organization vehicle and the Bentley United Church won best organization novelty category.
Wild West Willie, the huge Brahma steer owned by Doug Rogers and sponsored by Hunter Hydrovac, won best overall animal category.
Best overall novelty (no animals) went to the Martin’s Barber Shop entry.
Brenda Jacobson with her mini donkey and Eeyore & Friends took best light horse drawn vehicle, individual costume, and best in the pet section.
Best western dressed individual was Sandy Manderville.
Innotech Windows & Doors and the Victory Tack Shop won matched pairs.
Fabulous weather, just right for a parade, let people wait in comfort in anticipation, stay right to the end and not suffer in either the cold, heat, wind, or wet.