It was a great turnout for the annual Spirit of Okotoks Parade along Elizabeth Street in Okotoks on Saturday

Thousands of Okotokians young and old flooded the downtown core on Saturday morning for the 2015 Spirit of Okotoks Parade.

Many past staples of the parade made appearances including local marching bands, horse riders, community figures, and the Shriners. Also entering into this year's parade were sports teams ranging from hockey, football, baseball, and lacrosse, to local businesses and shops handing out candy to the kids in attendance.

It was an exciting day for many of the Foothills' youngsters, who had quite a bit to say about this year's parade.



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The theme of this year's parade with the "Year of Sport", which was proudly displayed by Town of Okotoks staff and in the Children's Festival celebrations immediately following the parade in Ethel Tucker Park.

As for the adults, they gave a wide variety of answers about their favourite parts of Saturday morning.



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Multiple Foothills dignitaries were on hand for the parade including Parade Marshall Paul Rockley, MP John Barlow, MLA Wayne Anderson, Okotoks Mayor Bill Robertson, and members of Okotoks Town Council. With a record number of entries this year, the parade wrapped up in just over an hour.

The overwhelming majority of Okotoks parents we spoke to were huge fans of this year's lineup, and the experience the Town offered.



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Check out a full photo gallery of the festivies below: