Richard van Nood is happy with this year's turnout to the Rotary Club parade on Aug. 8, given the wet weather.

Event lead and Rotary Club of Haliburton past-president, van Nood reflected on his second crack at the often-anticipated summer event.

Hundreds lined the streets, particularly Highland Street. Despite the billowy grey clouds, smiles flashed across the crowd. Horses, vehicles and people marched and rolled their way through. Led by the convoy of emergency service vehicles, the parade was heard from the wail of the pipes by the Haliburton Highlanders Pipes and Drums, the bugle and beat of the Kawartha Kavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps, and the whistle and boom of the Haliburton Highlands Silver Flutes Marching Band.

There were 27 parade floats in the Living, Healthy and Active themed event. This beats last year’s participation of 22 floats.

Although he was disappointed by the lone entry for the decorated bicycle, van Nood was pleasantly surprised by new entries such as the Blue Knights International Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club and Don Freeman and his miniature horse.

The best float in non-commercial category belonged to the Haliburton Scout Reserve’s army of members dressed as fruits and vegetables, which flexed their muscles and beat on members dressed as a giant doughnut and can of cola.

The best float in a commercial category was by Haliburton Timbr Mart, which had a float of the Highlands, complete with children and signage of local attractions, encouraging the healthy options for fitness.

Both won cash prizes along with the second place non-commercial float.

Parade notables: The Eagle Lake Farm came second followed by Recreation, Powersports, Marine-Haliburton in the commercial float category while Haliburton Dance Academy finished second in the non-commercial float category followed by Youth Unlimited.

Carnival notable: Carmen Webster of Haliburton won the Rotary Car Draw.