Community organizers setting up Canada Day parade

ADVANCE FILE PHOTO

By Cole Parkinson
Vauxhall Advance
cparkinson@tabertimes.com

Come July 1, Vauxhall will see a parade hit their streets. After individuals expressed interest in organizing a Canada Day parade, the request was brought forward to town council during their June 21 meeting.

“We had a group who had been communicating on social media and Mindy (Dunphy, assistant CAO) reached out to them. Because it involves closing roads, they have to come to us for approval,” explained Mayor Margaret Plumtree. “We just asked that they put together a guideline of what they were thinking of doing and how they would deal with COVID restrictions, which Canada Day sounds like will mostly be open. I think this is pretty good to go. The only question was it was at the bus loop, when we do the parade it starts at the arena because it is town owned.”

In the letter forwarded to council, the group explained their would be no entry fees and the parade route would be altered in order to cover more of the town.

“They did provide a parade route, which is just slightly different than what we’ve normally done. The idea is so people can just be outside of their homes for social distancing. They don’t have to be in such close contact with each other,” added Plumtree.

Deputy Mayor Ray Coad asked if there would be enough room at the school bus loop to stage the parade.

“If they were open to going to the arena, and basically do the same parade route that starts at the arena. I don’t know if they’d have to get permission to use the school area,” responded Plumtree. “I think that’s the only issue.”

Others on council were in favour of the parade going forward.

With restrictions currently allowing gatherings of 150 people outside, and on July 1, the province is set to fully reopen.

“The parade route looks fine as far as I’m concerned,” said Coun. Richard Phillips.

Others on council expressed excitement residents were willing to help set up a parade for the big day.

“I think it’s awesome people in the community want to jump in,” added Coun. Kim Cawley.

In the end, the organizers decided to follow the traditional parade route, which sees it starting at the Vauxhall Community Hall.

The usual parade starts at the Hall, proceeds down 3rd Avenue north before turning on 8th Street North.

From there, it would turn onto 2nd Avenue North before turning on 3rd Street North. 

It would then turn back on 4th Street north and proceed back to the Hall. The parade is set to start on 11 a.m. on July 1.

A motion to approve the parade and for administration to work with the group to fine tune the parade was carried unanimously by council.

The Town of Vauxhall will also be setting off fireworks for Canada Day starting at 11 p.m.

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