Yellowknife (Jun 30/06) - This year’s Canada Day Parade is hoped to be the “biggest and best ever” by the organizers, the Rotary Club.

Not only is it a celebration of Canada Day, but it is the club’s way to thank residents for their financial and emotional support of Rotary projects throughout the year.

“It’s our way of giving back to the community,” said Sue Portz, public relations representative for the Rotary Club’s Canada Day Parade.

The parade begins Saturday at 11 a.m., but the participants in the parade are asked to meet in the Civic Arena parking lot at 10 a.m. with their floats or other presentations.

In past years, crowds of up to 3,000 people have attended the parade, though the club hopes even more will come out this year to line Franklin Avenue. The parade will end at Sir John Franklin high school.

“We had people saying that they hadn’t even heard it was on,” Portz said.

“So this year we put a lot more effort into advertising - and we’re hoping to have an even greater response.”

Leading the parade this year will be former mayor Dave Lovell.

He’s called the pacer, because he will walk at the head of the pack and set the pace for the floats, marchers and other participants.

Afterward, there is an awards ceremony at the arena where plaques will be given out for categories such as best all round float and most creative float.

Portz said there will also be kids riding bikes, antique cars, and animals.

For example, there will be horses in the parade as well as other individuals walking in costumes or riding motorbikes.

During the parade, there are plans to give out Canada pins and little Canadian flags, though the Rotary Club is not giving out candies to the kids.

“There will be people walking in the parade who will throw candy,” she said.

After the parade, there is also a car show that is hosted by the Rotary.

Canada Day will also feature events on the lawn at City Hall following the parade, including food, Music in the Park final performances, games and other events.