Parade remains rooted in tradition
Parade-goers pleased as Grand Street parade follows traditional route through Kentville
Families lining Main Street in Kentville May 27 were happy the Apple Blossom Festival parade remained in the town after all.
Back in February and March, there was a great deal of doubt, but the event seemed to go off without a hitch.
Chilly weather meant many wrapped themselves in blankets, but the participants, including three provincial political teams, were spritely.
Former Kentville councillor Larry Eaton was certainly glad the parade tradition continued in his home community.
“It’s a tradition to have it in Kentville,” he said. “It’s the only annual event Kentville has.”
The parade has almost always been held in Kentville during the festival’s 85 years and the five or six families gathered on Marg Cooper’s front lawn on Main Street were glad it continued.
Wil Lang from Wolfville, who was there with his young son, Lennon, noted that the alternative site in New Minas, doesn’t have much lawn.
Allison Seamone, who has been attending since the 1950s, added that Kentville has far more arteries that allow parade-goers to enter and exit town during the busy festival.
She noted that the theme of the festival this year, Rooted in Tradition, called for the parade to remain in Kentville.
Further down the road, Marissa Lapierre, who grew up on Main Street, reflected that she and her husband probably wouldn’t take their three children to New Minas if the parade was ever relocated.
An online petition earlier this year garnered over 1,800 supporters for the Kentville route.
Chilly morning children’s parade
No wonder they hopped with enthusiasm in the lot by the Kentville Recreation Centre as participants in the children’s parade gathered earlier in the day.
One passing grandmother remarked, “it’s 8C, but it feels like 5C.”
At least the rain had stopped and the temperatures had not This young lad was wrapped up so cozy he fell asleep toward the end of the event on May 27 in Kentville.
turned too many against coming. The sidewalks were lined as is the custom.
When the royal party arrived, all but one of the leadership candidates had bare shoulders. Digby’s representative, Taylor Barnaby, acknowledged that it was a little chilly.
Annapolisa 85th Amy Meister and her child attendant, Regan Allen, said they were looking forward to visiting St. Mary’s Elementary School on May 29.
The West Novies alumni band attracted musicians from as far away as North Carolina and Hamilton, Ont., said leader Hal Jessome. A reunion was planned for after the two parades on May 27.