Queen Silver Star and her princess are searching for new wheels.
City council has decided to abandon the float used by the Vernon Winter Carnival royalty for safety reasons.
“It’s at the point where it is totally dangerous. We can’t use it anymore,” said Coun. Catherine Lord of the vehicle created in 1991.
Beyond that, though, the city is urging the Queen’s Committee to seek support from a private sponsor or the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee for a new float.
“Groups have to understand that it’s not the city’s jurisdiction to keep them afloat,” said Mayor Akbal Mund.
“The city will not spend $40,000, $50,000 or $60,000 on a new float. It’s not our responsibility.”
City staff had suggested it would cost about $30,000 to upgrade or replace the existing float while it costs $9,500 annually to provide the tow vehicle and trailer.
Winter Carnival representatives aren’t surprised by council’s decision.
“It’s disappointing because I see so much from it,” said Coleen Noel, committee chairperson, adding that when the float travels to other communities for events, it markets Vernon as a destination.
According to the city, the float was used five times for parades in Vernon, Penticton, Falkland, Lumby and Armstrong in 2016 and it has only been used once so far in 2017.
Noel says the committee will have to consider possible options for a float.