The Athabasca and District Chamber of Commerce is looking for someone else to take charge of the annual Canada Day parade.
ìThis year, we would like to send it off to someone else,î said Chamber president Todd Dutchak. ì(At least) until we figure out what's going on with our future as well.î
According to Dutchak, the Chamber has decided that they have been taking on too many projects and theyíd like to stick to three events this year ñ the gala, Moonlight Madness (which includes a parade), and the trade show.
ì(They) take up a lot of time and volunteers and resources already,î he explained. ìWe're all busy business people and we've been doing two parades (the Moonlight Madness and the Canada Day parades), a gala, Moonlight Madness, trade show. It takes its toll on people.î
Dutchak said the Chamber does not know who take over the parade, although there was some talk of giving it back to the Town of Athabasca ñ who was in charge of the parade before they handed it off to the Chamber.
However, Athabasca chief administrative officer Josh Pyrcz said he is not sure if the town can take charge.
ìI would have to meet with the Chamber first and see how much work this entails,î he said. ìWe can certainly look at it, but I would need a lot more information.î
He also stated that since it would mean moving some money around, thereíd have to be an approval from the town council before any steps are made ñ something that has to wait until the Chamber officially asks them.
No matter who ends up in charge, Dutchak said he hopes that they will work with the Magnificent River Rats Society.
ìThe parade kind of coincides with the River Rats (Festival),î he said. ìI donít think River Rats can actually take it on, but Iíd like to see someone take it on in partnership with River Rats.î
