To paraphrase a common adage, “it would appear that the 72nd time is a charm” - with another successful Parade, under perfect weather. The alternate site for the reception worked well, and the Cable 14 coverage continues to improve. Now that the City Hall renovations are complete everything should be back to “normal” for next year. But is “normal” always the best?

The theme this year was “Honouring our Traditions”, and we have many to be proud of, including the Parade. But that does not mean that things can’t change. In fact, to be relevant and successful, every event must be critically analyzed to determine what we can improve and how we can grow, while still having fun.

Part of the 2010 review was an assessment of attendance for each registered Scouting and Guiding. The good news was that Scouting had 85% group participation. The bad news was that there were 4 groups, 10 sections, who chose to attend something else more important or more relevant to them. Our challenge this summer will be to canvass these groups, plus 10-12 other random groups, to learn what we can do to improve.

Standing at City Hall watching the Colour Party march along Main Street is an awesome sight and heart stirring moment. I would like to thank the Chief Scout’s Award and Queen’s Venturer Award recipients who accepted our invitation to be part of the Colour Party, plus the 1st Woodburn Cubs and the 68th Hamilton Beavers, Cubs and Scouts for supplying flag carriers and helping to make a special memory.

Another success that we can boast is this year’s Parade Food Drive. Thanks to your generosity, 1,100 lbs of food and $1,285 were collected and presented to Hamilton Food Share.

Finally, I would like to take this time to publically thank each member of the 2010 Parade Committee for a job well done! Your Scouting members were:

Jim Carey, Brian Johnston, Don MacAngus, Kevin Mallory, Shirley Mallory, Donna Mason, Sharon Miller and Christa Pissey.

Kevin Thur,

Parade Chair