Saturday (June 18) will see the return of the Okotoks Parade and Children's Festival.

The events are annual Okotoks staples, with both returning in full after a two-year hiatus.

Local businesses and organizations seem pretty enthusiastic, with approximately 70 floats registered.

The forecast is showing a good chance of rain, which could put a damper on things.

Programs, Culture, and Heritage Manager Jeanette Messer says the town will be keeping a watchful eye on the weather tomorrow morning, and won't cancel the event unless they absolutely have to.

"We are keeping our fingers crossed that the weather is going to hold out. We're going to go forward with the plans, we will not make a decision if there is inclement weather until the morning. We want to give every opportunity for this parade and Children's Festival to go ahead. We need it."

The route is similar to the one Okotokians will already be familiar with, though it'll be proceeding in the opposite direction it usually does, turning left onto South Railway Street, up Riverside Drive, right at Northridge, then onto Elizabeth.

The Okotoks Parade is set to start at 11 a.m.

The Children's Festival is to be held at the new Arts & Learning Campus on the same day.

There's plenty in store there too, says Messer.

"We're really excited, we've got some great events coming in, including some performers, some singers, and face painting, so that's really exciting to engage the children. That kicks off at 11:30."

11:45am – The Bark Side
12:10pm – Magician, Christopher Cool
1:05pm – Norman Foote
2pm – Isabelle la Wonderful

Several road closures will be in place for the duration of the parade, with a full list available on the town's website.