Canada Day Parade returns to downtown this year
Windsor's Canada Day Parade will celebrate the nation's 157th birthday with a return to downtown for the first time since 2019.
During a press conference at City Hall last Wednesday, the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association (DWBIA) and the Windsor Parade Corporation announced that roughly 60 floats adorned in festive red and white will travel down Ouellette Avenue and Riverside Drive this year.
“We are so excited to bring the parade back downtown, where it truly belongs,” said Maggie Durocher, with the Windsor Parade Corporation.
“This year's parade is going to be bigger and better than ever. We can't wait to see the community come together for this fantastic celebration.”
In past years, the parade route traced an east-to-west path along Wyandotte Street East, coursing through Walkerville, starting at Devonshire Road and ending at Aylmer Avenue.
This heralds a revival of festivities in downtown Windsor, following last year's return of the 55th annual Santa Claus Parade to the city core.
“This is just another giant step
forward to bringing more of these events back downtown where they belong,” said downtown Ward 3 Coun. Renaldo Agostino, who also sits on the DWBIA board of directors.
“The Santa Claus Parade and the Canada Day Parade should have never left, and we're really happy to see them back downtown. Certainly the businesses are excited for that, too.”
Last year, the parade dazzled thousands with a procession of marching bands, bagpipers, equine units and giant inflatables — a Mountie, a beaver, and more.
“Rain or shine, it is one of the best days we have in our community,” said MP Brian Masse (NDP — Windsor West).
“I had the chance to travel all over the world, and I can tell you, our events in this city are second to none.”
The Windsor Parade Corporation is inviting groups, organizations and individuals to participate in the annual festivities by entering a float. Agostino said he has already fielded a few calls from interested groups.
Canada Day cupcakes will also be served throughout the morning, provided by downtown-based bakery, Spoontastic Treats.
“The parade is a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors to experience the best of downtown Windsor,” said Chris Macleod, chair of the DWBIA.
“We are proud to support this event and look forward to welcoming everyone to our vibrant downtown district.”
The Canada Day Parade will take place at 11 a.m. on July 1. The complete parade route will be announced soon.
For more information on how to participate, visit windsorparade.org.