Just 100 days to go to Spalding Flower Parade - and you can join the cause
The revived Spalding Flower Parade is set to take place in 100 days - and there’s a plenty you can still do to help.
Organiser Stephen Timewell is gearing up to May’s event - despite only managing four hours of sleep a night - and is being bolstered by people power.
Friday’s bingo night raised more than £1,300 and the full line up of floats is now complete, with community groups, businesses and even iconic film characters taking part.
The parade, on May 13, will be a major operation, with more than 50 road closures planned.
The Castle Sports Complex will host food vendors and live music, becoming a hub of activity before, during and after the parade, as well as becoming home to the floats.
Steve said: “We’re waiting for Lincolnshire County Council to rubber stamp the route and the road closures.
“I’ve had a lot of meetings - including a very positive one with the police on Thursday morning.”
A Lincolnshire County Council spokesman confirmed the road closure and route plans were received and the request is being dealt with.
Two out of the three largest floats were transported to Cowbit Road last week, with volunteers fixing the structures.
Steve said: “The mending days are really good fun and we are making some good progress.
“We’ve still got a lot to do but nearly all of the welding is done, we’ve got people working on carpentry, people pinning on the silk and knitted flowers too.
“I’m quite happy with it but I think we are going to have at least seven or eight more days to get it all done.
Ahead of the event, Steve, who also became a South Holland District councillor in December, isn’t sleeping much - but after nearly a solid year of planning, he’s worry free.
Despite King Charles’s coronation taking place on the parade’s original date, there’s very little left in the way.
He said: “I’m tired but I’m also very excited. I’m not worried about it and really I’m in awe of how much positivity and interest there has been.
"I’ve been overwhelmed by the support - the people have done so much to help already.”
What can you do to help?
*Three large trailers are needed
*There are six large floats which need dressing - go along to a mending day (more information in this paper as we get it)
*More marshals (52) are needed and volunteers to help on the day.
Contact Steve by emailing info@spaldingflowerparade.co.uk or call 07516 902673