Okotoks' summer events slate has definitely been different from usual this year, with the COVID-19 pandemic limiting the scope of most annual festivities.

Last weekend alone saw the Reverse Parade as well as free drive-in style movie screenings offered at the recreation centre, both of which were held with public health in mind.

Summer Events Coordinator Zach Adams says he was mostly busy with the drive-in on Saturday, though he was able to stop by the parade.

"The time that I did spend when I went down to take a quick visit, it was quite alive downtown. Lots of vehicles, lots of people taking in all the floats."

He says the quality of the floats was a pleasant surprise, given that the town was given approval to run the event close to when it was scheduled to happen.

Adams says the drive-in saw similar success.

"We had a good sized crowd for all the shows, and the reception was very good. A lot of people commented, asked us to do it again, thought it was so cool they could bring their kids out and experience something that isn't as popular as it once used to be."

The town is looking into holding more drive-in screenings given their success, though according to Adams, they wouldn't be held overly frequently.

"With how much organizational logistics that go into setting up the screen, supports, and power, it's not an 'every weekend' type of thing, there's a lot of work and man hours that go into getting it just for a weekend, so it wouldn't be realistic."

He says it's taken some effort to adapt these kinds of events to the current health regulations, but it's been worthwhile.

"We're trying to balance that sense of normalcy with public safety, so there's kind of that fine line. It's been a bit of a challenge, but we'll continue to pump them out in the safest way possible."

Another annual Okotoks tradition, Busker Fest, is set to take place this weekend.

For more information on the event, which will be held digitally this year, click here.

 

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