Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (July 08/05) - When it comes to designing first-class floats, CIBC employees in Fort Simpson are money in the bank.

The staff combined their efforts to construct a winning pirate ship this year - cleverly christened "Pirates of the C.I.B.Sea." Laurel McCowan, branch manager, came up with the buccaneer idea back in April.

The four women spent close to 40 hours piecing the big boat together.

"We all work together so well," McCowan said.

It was also a learning experience, according to Tanice Keitch.

"It was the first time most of us used power tools, and we did it all ourselves," she said, smiling. "We're proud of ourselves."

The barque didn't lack detail. It had two sails at full mast, mounted cannons, a skull and crossbones and a treasure chest overflowing with booty.

They even rented pirate costumes from a business in Edmonton, McCowan noted. It all left the judges with little doubt as to who would be triumphant.

"It was pretty impressive," said recreation director Conan Donahue. "You could tell that they spent a lot of time and effort."

Peter Shaw, who has been organizing Fort Simpson's Canada Day parade for 11 years, added, "I can always count on CIBC to come to the July 1 parade with exceptional effort and ingenuity."

Deh Cho Hardware's floral-laden entry captured second prize.

CIBC has had quite a run at the Canada Day parade. Their first winning entry was in 2002.

That year they were dressed in prison stripes and were behind bars.

They slipped to third in 2003 when they chose a Monopoly motif.

Last year they rebounded to take first place among the floats with a currency of coins theme.

Photos of their parade handiwork are displayed prominently on the wall at CIBC in Fort Simpson.

Many customers who came into the bank in the days leading up to the Canada Day event asked what to expect this year, said McCowan.

Their curiosity has been satisfied, but inspiration for the 2006 cavalcade could strike at any time.

"We love doing it," McCowan said.