Sugarcane ‘Elvis’ returns as Honourary Parade Marshall
| Events |
By LeRae Haynes
The Stampede Parade is a huge highlight for residents and tourists alike, with thousands lining the streets to celebrate the pageantry, heritage, entertainment and the cultural diversity of Williams Lake.
Everyone loves something about the Stampede Parade--from elders to toddlers and all ages between. Pride and inspiration fills the streets as the lineup of floats and displays pass by, showcasing industry, business, sports, local government, charity, fitness, culture and the arts.
Erik Zwiers, Parade Marshall for the 86th annual Williams Lake Stampede Parade, said that they were on the lookout for a fun theme for this year. He added that, since the Williams Lake and District Credit Union is celebrating 60 years in service, they wanted to choose a theme that went back that far—and landed on Elvis Presley and Rock’n and Roll’n in the Cariboo.
He explained that a natural choice for Honourary Parade Marshall was Morris Bates, a former Sugarcane resident whose Elvis Presley tribute show was the second-longest in Las Vegas, and was enjoyed places around the world.
The 62 year old performer said that the only Vegas act that ran longer than his was Wayne Newton. “He had a head start on me,” Morris said. “I quit the Vegas act after 10 years, when I was 42 years old—the same age Elvis was when he died,” Morris said. “I worked with the Vancouver Native Liaison unit for 10 years and had a big involvement in the Pickton case—I was interviewed for five weeks and testified for two days.”
Currently working with youth on Vancouver’s downtown east side, Morris was happy to be invited to come back to Williams Lake and be part of the parade.
Erik said that there will be more than 100 floats in the parade, with entries adding up and building with the momentum of the event. “There are some really good floats this year and some groups celebrating some great landmarks,” he said.
“We’ll have a new $250 prize for the best ‘Elvis’ this year. There will also be a $500 prize for the best overall theme.”
He said that the parade hits your senses and appeals to everyone. “It’s so colourful and fun, with big bikes, big machines and horses,” he said. “There are over 1,000 participants on the floats and in the parade, as well as 120 volunteers.
“There are thousands of people lined up on the 2km route, enjoying everything from country rock in the back of a pickup to First Nations floats and bagpipes leading the parade,” he said. “What’s really fun is the incredible build-up of energy in the staging area.
“And you just might see our hometown ‘Elvis’ in a vintage car in the parade.”
For more information about the Stampede Parade, visit www.stampedeparade.com
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