It looks like the return of the downtown Christmas parade may be imminent.
Three Rotary clubs have stepped forward to take over the organization of the hugely popular downtown event held in early December.
The hiatus in 2012 of the parade was due to the inability to find an organizing team that wanted to take on the varied demands of the annual season event. Star-FM stepped into the void temporarily in 2011, but a permanent host could not be found.
But it looks like that’s about to change.
The Rotary officials from three local clubs approached the city earlier this year about jointly taking over the host role of the 2013 Christmas Parade, calling it simply the Rotary Christmas Parade, and asking the city for $9,000, which they hope to match with a CDI funding request.
The budget is $18,000, and the Rotary Clubs of Chilliwack, of Chilliwack/Fraser and Chilliwack Mt. Cheam, will chip in $3,000 each, plus staff and in-kind support.
“Many community members and organizations have expressed a desire to have the parade return as part of the local Christmas tradition,” writes Rotary Club of Chilliwack Mt. Cheam member Kirsten Mundstock in the CDI funding application.
“The parade builds community spirit, cohesiveness and memories.”
Upon approval of the CDI funding, a Rotary committee is ready to jump into action to plan the parade for later this year.
jfeinberg@theprogress.com
Twitter.com/chwkjourno