Get Ready, Get Set, It’s A Mardi Gras Parade Party

The 119th Annual Vermilion Fair is just about 2 weeks away, and that means the parade is also on its way. So, put on your thinking caps and get ready to enter a float in this year’s parade! The theme for the Fair is ‘Barnyard Mardi Gras’ and that theme can resonate throughout the parade. Everyone is encouraged to incorporate the theme into their floats, along with lively music.

Parade Chairperson Heather MacMillan is excited to see the different interpretations of this year’s theme incorporated into each float. “We had some amazing floats last year with their interpretation of ‘Fields of Dreams: 118 Years Of Agricultural Achievements and I encourage everyone to decorate their floats based on their interpretation of the theme ‘Barnyard Mardi Gras,” said MacMillan.

The judging categories for this year include Commercial, Out-of-Town, Senior Organization, Junior Organization, Comic, Decorated Bikes, Antiques, and Decorated Ponies. Ribbons for first, second, and third place will be awarded.

“What makes Vermilion’s Parade spectacularly impressive is the creativity that the community brings to celebrating Fair time. It’s a long-standing tradition that I’m proud to be a part of,” added MacMillan.

There is no registration fee, however, pre-registration is encouraged and can be done on the website at https://www.vermilionag.ca/index.php/parade-registration/

Floats should enter from 44th Street east of the Mall and be set up by 9:30 a.m. on July 24 in the appropriate area for judging and placement within the parade: commercial behind the mall and wrapping around Chrysler; Agricultural, Horses, and Emergency Services lined up in front of College Park; and Out of Town and Junior and Senior Organizations on the grass beside the train tracks. Judging will begin at 10 a.m.

“Watch for the incredible Ag Society Parade volunteers in Red Vest for help getting the floats where they need to be,” commented MacMillan. The Parade Marshals will be cruising in golf carts to answer any questions. The Parade Committee strongly suggests that after 9 a.m. parade goers not enter, park or drive on the parade route, anyone who travels the parade route after 9 a.m. will be turned around and rerouted, for the safety of all those involved.

“We are looking for a couple more volunteers and golf carts to help Marshall the route and they can contact me if they are available,” said MacMillan.

“Bring your bags for candy, picnic baskets, and blankets for after, and please clean up the area as best as you can when it’s over,” recommends MacMillan.

The parade will start promptly at 11 a.m., following the same route as in previous years. It will start at the corner of 46th Street, west of Chrysler, proceed along Railway Avenue, turn right at 49 Street, then left at 50 Avenue. It continues until 51 Street, where it will turn south and return to Railway Avenue. It will then merge with 50 Avenue and end near the Vermilion Health Care Centre.

For more information or if you would like to assist in the parade organization on the morning of the event, please contact the parade chairperson, Heather MacMillan, at 780-853-7012. You can also reach the Vermilion Ag Society Office at 780-853-4108.