It’s going to be bigger than ever.

Organizers of the Interior Savings Fat Cat Children’s Festival say this year’s event will have one exciting change, the parade will be expanded.

Jenelle Turpin, co-chair of the Fat Cat Festival, says they have entered a partnership with the Downtown Kelowna Association which will allow them to expand the parade route.

“The new route will start at the corner of Bernard and Richter, proceed down Bernard, turn right on Water and go all the way down to Waterfront park where the actual Festival stages and grounds will be set up. Having the Downtown Kelowna Association on board has been very helpful in splitting the responsibilities of putting on the parade,” says Turpin.

DKA event co-ordinator, Jennifer Lewis, says they were flattered to be approached by the Fat Cat Festival organizers to host this year’s parade.

“We are pleased to be able to help with additional resources that will make this a quality event and will also set the standard for years to come. With floats, community groups, entertainment, and participants from the Okanagan and beyond, this year’s parade is sure to be a highlight for Downtown Kelowna,” says Lewis.

The 2008 Festival will run June 6 and 7 at Waterfront Park, with the parade taking place at 10 a.m. June 7.

This year’s theme is “the Cat Came Back,” and there will be a place in the parade for children to march.

The Downtown Kelowna Association is still looking for additional floats for the parade. Interested local businesses and community groups can contact Lewis at 862-3515.

Link: Fat Cat website