The weather may have still been chilly for the middle of April, but smiles were warm on the faces of onlookers as the Town of Rosthern and local Emergency services paraded through the town as a recognition to the frontline workers and essential services workers who’ve kept things going during the COVID-19 shutdowns. Vanessa Atkins, Recreation and Community Development Manager with the Town of Rosthern, was key in organizing the Recognition Procession that took place in the town on the afternoon of Monday April 13^th, 2020. The idea for the parade was suggested by a local resident and Vanessa thought it was a worthy idea and a great way for the community to show their appreciation. She began contacting the various organizations and setting plans in motion. Numerous other such salutes have been held in different corners of the world to say thank you to the men and women who continue to carry out their duties at a time when others are being told to stay at home. As occurred in other places, residents of Rosthern were invited and encouraged to stand in front of their houses and clap and cheer and make some noise to show their appreciation. The people driving in the parade reported that along the parade route Rosthern residents were indeed standing outside cheering and waving and making noise, and a few children were seen holding large thank-you signs. “I think it gave everyone a bit of a boost,” Atkins said. People could also be seen smiling in their cars as they drove away from their selected parking spots along the parade route.

Participating in the parade were Town of Rosthern Public Works, Rosthern Fire Department, Rosthern & District Ambulance, Rosthern Fire and Rescue, RM of Rosthern Fire and Rescue, Twin Rivers Rescue, Harv’s Towing & Autobody, and the Rosthern Detachment of the RCMP. The parade started at the fire hall then proceeded across Highway 11 to the Mennonite Nursing Home and senior residences on the Mennonite Youth Farm grounds before returning to town and zigzagging around the town. Those taking part were encouraged to “light up their vehicles” and make some noise to “foster excitement”, to acknowledge front line workers and represent the community as a united front