Okotoks kicking off summer with twist on tradition

Okotoks residents can kick-off summer with a revamped version of town traditions.

To accommodate current COVID-19 health restrictions, the Town of Okotoks is running a “reverse parade” on June 19 for the second year, and hosting drive-in movies throughout the same weekend in lieu of its Children’s Festival.

“It was important that even though we are still going to be under a few restrictions at that time, that we carry forward the events so we don’t miss it,” said Zach Adams, Okotoks community events specialist. “The Okotoks Parade is one of our two biggest events in Okotoks – it symbolizes the start of summer, it’s a kick-off.”

Businesses and organizations can sign up to be part of the reverse parade and create floats outside their locations, or on a pre-approved site in town if the business does not have a brick-and-mortar location, he said.

Floats can be made up of things like vehicles, balloons or window-paintings, he said.

“There is no theme, just whatever the businesses want to come up with and be creative about,” said Adams. “Any fun design for the outside of their business to attract attention.”

The day before the event, a map will be released by the Town showing locations of registered floats so people can drive or walk through Okotoks to see the displays, he said.

In conjunction with the parade, the Town will be hosting drive-in movies in the parking lot of the Okotoks Recreation Centre throughout the weekend.

“Drive-in movies have that nostalgic feel and people like to experience that in their town, so we thought it would be awesome to offer it to our resident again,” said Adams.

On Friday night (June 18), Pitch Perfect will show at 6:30 p.m. and The Bourne Identity at 9 p.m.; on Saturday Trolls will screen at 10 a.m., The Secret Life of Pets at 2 p.m. and Kung Fu Panda at 6:30 p.m.; and on Sunday Back to the Future will run at 10 a.m. and Grease at 2 p.m.

Admission to the movies is free but tickets (one per vehicle) must be booked in advance through the Town website, and Adams said to book early because last year’s line-up sold out quickly.

This year there will be a reduced capacity of 60 vehicles per show, after reviewing the drive-in movie events from 2020.

“Last year we had quite a big capacity, but we realized once cars started parking that not all the spots were the best view because of light poles and distance,” said Adams. “We reduced our capacity to ensure everyone at the drive-in gets a good view of the screen.”

Movie-goers will also be able to purchase concession treats courtesy of Okotoks Cinemas, which will be on-site serving up popcorn, drinks and candy.

Orders will be taken via email or text and delivered to the vehicle to avoid line-ups and crowds, said Adams.

“We’re happy to have that food element that wasn’t there last year,” he said. “That’s one thing that was missing last year, because we weren’t allowed at the time to have a concession.”

On Children’s Festival day, June 19, a limited number of gift bags filled with treats will be provided to children who come to the movies, he said.

The reverse parade and drive-in movie weekend are the first of several annual summer events hosted by the Town, and Adams said others, like Taste of Okotoks, will run in some capacity.

“All our events will be delivered in some form,” he said. “We hope we’re open come July, but we’re taking a cautious approach to what we’re planning and how we’re planning them.”

To purchase movie tickets or see concession pricing, visit www.okotoks.ca/drive-in