The only Canada Day Parade in Innisfil happened Monday morning at Sandycove Acres. Along with dozens of denizens of the village, the South Simcoe Police, the Innisfil Fire and Rescue Services, MP John Brassard, MPP Andrea Khanjin, Mayor Lynn Dollin, Innisfil Councillors joined in the colourful procession through the winding streets.
Organizer Dorothy King said the parade is a long-standing tradition with Canadian patriotism alive and well in the village. King said, “Many residents decorate their vehicles for the parade, whether it be an antique car, a convertible, a motorcycle, an electric bicycle or a golf cart! It's always a sea of red and white.”
King has been running the parade since 2020 when COVID-19 caused changes in interaction and she stepped in to put together a safe Canada Day parade where participants stayed in their own vehicles cutting down potential interactions.
With the virus a fading memory, her job now includes many in person activities over the long weekend like a dance, a veterans breakfast, a barbecue and outdoor games.
Sixteen-year resident Jenny said she loves the parade and even when it rained in the past, nothing dampened the spirts of the event. “Right now there is so much sadness in the world, we need to laugh and enjoy events like this.”
Deputy Mayor Kenneth Fowler was enthusiastic looking at the crowds and their interaction before the parade, “Everyone gets together for the love of Canada.”
