High River celebrates during Little Britches parade

Horses, marching bands and emergency vehicles paraded through High River Monday for the town's official kickoff to summer.

The Little Britches parade followed a shorter route this year because parts of the downtown are still under reconstruction following last June's devastating flood.

“This is wonderful to see after what we've had last year,” said Wayne Lee, whose home and business were badly damaged by the flooding. “Something to rebuild High River and give us a little initiative to get going again.”

Resident returns to watch

Former High River resident Sue MacDonald came to watch to show her support.

“This is really great to see everyone out here, especially when they're a little bit on edge, waiting for that snow melt to come out of the mountains,” she said.

Dayna Dickens, who chaired this year's parade committee, said the people of High River were celebrating.

“I think the optimism, the resilience, is just showing itself in the happy faces and the joy that's in the community,” she said. “This is the 56th annual parade so really wonderful to be able to carry on such an important tradition and I think the community is celebrating today.”

Boy raises money for cancer care

Selling lemonade during the event was Tate Barton, a boy raising money in memory of his mother, who died of cancer. His father, Jamie, said they raised at least $1,500, demonstrating the town’s generosity.

“A big part of it is this community has always been giving,” Jamie Barton said. “A lot of people knew my wife as well, but a lot of people know what the High River cancer clinic has done for everyone.”