Parade celebrates Clifford's history

Sharon Kaufman and her volunteers started handing out Canadian flags at 10am to people lining up for the 150th Community Anniversary and 2017 Clifford Homecoming parade on Aug. 5.

At 11am volunteer Firefighter Martin Witzke took the lead driving a 1947 refurbished fire truck, followed by more fire trucks, dignitaries, post office personelle, pets, a clown, birthday cakes, red hats and the Clifford Four Aces Fastball team 1974-1995.

The parade featured tributes to families, farming and former residents. Sponsors of the homecoming, promotions, groups, clubs, churches, and three Shriners groups impressed the crowd. The Sandhill Pipes and Drums, Preston Scout House Band, Fergus Brass Band and the Milverton Legion Band provided musical accompaniement.

Close to an hour later, Clifford the Big Red Dog and the Homecoming committee rolled up with parade marshall Cheryl Tobin handing out party favours. Firefighter Martin Witzke finished the parade in the 1947 fire truck, and behind him the Sheriff’s car, Dirty Dozen Peterbilt, and drivers from the Smokey and the Bandit tribute with Garth and Marg Dickert running last in a Firebird Trans Am.

Three judges chose parade winners:

- Overall, Bruce County Boys’ wooden truck;

- Community – Mansion Tavern;

- Agriculture – Harriston Foodgrains Bank;

- Company – Hohnstein’s Excavating;

Theme – Clifford Rotary; and

- Children’s – Weber Contracting.