Wadgefest Parade…
Led by the OPP's suburban, the procession is led up the Oshweeken Rd. Hill just as the last vehicles round the corner down below.
Parade participants gathered at the old High School and as rain drizzled down, service vehicle sirens wailed, sounding the autocade’s debut. Mani-touwadge residents lined the streets of the nearly 2km parade route; children scrambling to gather lolipops and candies thrown from each float, vehicle and costumed character participating in the procession. Led by the Ontario Provincial Police’s PR vehicles, a miniature squad car so small that the driving officer’s head and shoulders easily cleared it’s sunroof and a miniature monster truck replica reminiscent of a child’s remote control toy whose drivers also looked out through the roof. 
Following these was an OPP Suburban then several of the response vehicles from the Manitouwadge Volunteer Fire Department’s arsenal, among civilian participants were the Manitouwadge Minor Hockey Association, a float overflowing with nearly 40 children and at least a 1/2 dozen adults dressed in hockey shirts and uniforms; the Spirited Red Hats, stole the show with their procession of 2 walkers; one at the head proudly carrying their banner and another at the back ensuring every little spectator received their share of treats, and 7 vehicles: UTVs, golf carts, and a car, all elabortely decorated with red ribons, red hats, red boas and red balloons, as were the ladies of course! Manitouwadge’s version of parade royalty, the Red Hat ladies gracefully waved at their fans while slowing for photos; major sponsor Manroc Development Inc. had a float of ‘miners’; Manitouwadge mascotts Buzzy the Blackfly and Marvin Mosquito walked the route as well as winners of best decorated bikes in the parade cousins 6 year old Brittany David and 12 year old Jordan David.
Hey, there's Thomas on the back of the Manroc float - cute coverall's lol
In addition to there generous sponsorship of Wadgefest as a whole, Manroc sponsored this parade by offering any non-profit organization walking/riding a float in the parade $10/person. The ManitouwadgeMinor Hockey Association for example had approx. 40 participants on their float so, I’d imagine they’re receiving somewhere in the ballpark of $400.00 – Wow! not bad for an hour ride!
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- Hey, there’s Thomas on the back of the Manroc float – cute coverall’s lol
Submitted to the Chronicle Journal & The Echo, 08.09.09
