Hero-sized celebration
Parade honours first responders as kick off to K-Days exhibition
The rain, wind and cold didn’t stop Edmontonians from enjoying the K-Days parade Friday morning.
Spectators gathered in the streets of downtown to get a good view of the mascots, antique cars, marching bands, performers, and the 135 floats pass by.
“Despite the weather, I had so much fun participating in this year’s parade,” said Caitlyn Busch, a member of the University of Alberta Cheer team.
“It was awesome to see the crowds of people. The support in this city is fantastic.”
While the turnout was lower than in previous years, people braved the chilly weather and used bus shelters and building overhangs to hide from the rain.
Others arrived more prepared with umbrellas, tarps and ponchos.
“We come every year, so a little bit of rain is not going to stop us,” said Sondra Austin, who brought her young son Nixon to see the parade.
“We have an umbrella, that’s all we need.”
Welcomed as this year’s parade marshals, first-responders led the K-Days parade.
The local heroes who were smiling and waving to the crowd, cruised up in police cars, emergency vehicles and horses.
The parade day which was officially marked as Edmonton Heroes’ Day, brought in many attendees, both young and old, who dressed up as their favourite heroes.
For one woman, this year’s parade theme — to celebrate local heroes — was special to her.
“I only come when my daughter is in a parade,” said Zenalia Raposo. “She’s one of the police officers. Every time she’s involved in stuff like
this I’m here.”
The event has brought Edmontonians together for many years.
Jenni Perigee, who has been coming to the parade since she was a little girl, looks forward to bringing her kids to the event every year. “I’ve had it [the parade] on my calendar for months and I wasn’t not going to come,” she said.
The parade is the official launch of the K-Days exhibition that runs from July 17 until July 26.