Parade strikes up community connection
Easter brought Olympians, celebration to the Beach
Chocolate eggs, a sunny afternoon and a wave from Olympic champions made for a happy crowd at Sunday’s Easter parade in the Beach.
Thousands of people came out to watch dancers, drummers and other floats parade down Queen St. E. during the event, which has been presented each year by the Beaches Lions Club since 1966.
Sixteen-year-old Beach resident and Olympic hero Penny Oleksiak — who became Canada’s youngest gold medallist last year in Rio — kicked things off at 2 p.m. along with Victoria Nolan, a Paralympic bronze medallist in rowing at the Rio Games, and Claudia Brown, a Special Olympics Ontario backstroke gold medallist.
They weren’t the only guests of honour, though, as many of the younger members of the crowd were just as excited to see the Easter Bunny along the parade route.
Darth Vader and his S0tormtroopers even made an appearance, much to the thrill of Adam and Nathan Jones-Eastwood, 7 and 9 years old. “Mommy used to march in the parade,” said their mother, Lisa, recalling her days as a majorette baton twirler during the 1980s. “It’s carrying on a tradition.”
Tiffany Huang, 14, came to the parade with her parents for the second time. She said her favourite part is collecting candy that marchers hand out, but she also enjoys learning about Toronto’s history by seeing some of its older transit vehicles on display at the start of the parade.
“I like the streetcars because I like the evolution of the different transportation,” she said.
“It was a great feeling, especially (seeing) the kids in the community. They’re all excited.” ABDULLAH GAMANDIE TORONTO BATHURST LIONS CLUB
Members of Lions clubs from across Toronto marched in support of the organization’s charitable goals while collecting donations from the crowd.
“It was a great feeling, especially (seeing) the kids in the community. They’re all excited,” said Abdullah Gamandie, president of the Toronto Bathurst Lions Club.
“It’s always important not only this time of year, but all throughout the year, because there’s always a need for charity. That’s our motto. We serve, so we have to serve all year round, not one day only.”