The fair will go on but one of its most popular events will not.
The Interior Provincial Exhibition in Armstrong is cancelling the annual parade, slated for Saturday, Sept. 2.
Armstrong special events and parade protocol require licensed traffic control personnel along the parade route to ensure public safety. This year, there simply isn’t enough people to do the job.
“Due to staff shortages and the need for traffic control personnel in fire zone areas we are unable to recruit the required number necessary to allow our parade to proceed,” said IPE general manager Heather King. “Therefore, we have made the difficult decision to suspend the annual IPE parade for 2023.”
King vowed that the parade will return for 2024.
And a local company is working to make sure there are enough boots on the ground to make it happen.
Integrity Traffic Control Training is offering training as soon as Sept. 7 and 8 and donating two seats per two-day class.
“I am doing this for next your that way the Armstrong IPE and residents can get certified and run all local events,” said Michelle Hudson, Integrity owner.
“TCPs (traffic control personnel) are stretched too thin with work and emergencies with wildfires which seems to be the new normal unfortunately.”
To register, call 250-306-1473 or email info@integritytrafficcontroltraining.com.
The 122nd IPE begins Wednesday, Aug. 30, at the IPE Grounds, and runs until Sunday, Sept. 3.
“Thank you to all those businesses, individuals, and organizations who support our parade with their floats, cars, marching bands, and unique entries,” she said. “Your continued support throughout the years is what makes the IPE parade so special.
“Next year we will be back to create more memories.”
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roger@vernonmorningstar.com
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