Regardless of the rain accompanied by some thunder and lightning that hit Vermilion the morning of July 29 (but cleared before the parade began), the Vermilion Parade was still a success.
According to Parade Committee Chairman Russ Cameron, he estimated that the parade had approximately 90 participants and he was surprised by the number of out-of-town entries they had.
“There were entries from Islay, Derwent, Mannville, Marwayne, and Lloyd I believe,” commented Cameron.
Cameron also mentioned with great enthusiasm the appreciation he felt towards Heather MacMillan who helped with the parade this year.
“Heather MacMillan, who I am calling the co-chairperson of the Parade Committee now needs a lot of recognition for all the hard work she put into organizing the parade with me this year, she was amazing!!” said Cameron. He also said, “the parade was more successful this year than we thought it would be thanks to all of the support from the Town of Vermilion, the Vermilion Ag society, and all the volunteers and participants that made it possible.”
The 2021 Parade results are as follows, Decorated Cars, 1st place was Cutting Edge Hair/ Pink Peony, 2nd place Upper Level Pottery and Art Gallery, and 3rd place went to Vermilion Chrysler. Fourth place was awarded to Harbrook and Paisley, 5th Burnt Rock Adventure Co., and 6th Agland.
Out Of Town: 1st Something Sweet Coffee & Bakeshop, 2nd Derwent Fire Dept. 3rd Klassen Cattle Equipment Ltd, 4th Islay Fire Dept. and 5th was won by The Shriners.
In the Junior Organization, there were just two entries, and 1st place was shared between Vermilion Vipers Swim Club and Vermilion Skating Club.
Senior Organization: 1st was the Vermilion Lions Club, 2nd Vermilion Fire & Rescue Society, and 3rd Vermilion & District Housing Foundation.
In the Commercial category Quarter Cuts Ltd. and Hubkins Restaurant shared 1st place, Swift Fox Industries received 2nd place, the Town of Vermilion was awarded 3rd. Reflections Funeral & Cremation took home 4th place, the Vermilion & Area Voice received 5th and the Vermilion Credit Union received the 6th place ribbon.
The Chamber of Commerce also led judging of the 72 organization floats that came out.
“If this is the response we got this year, when the Fair happens next year, 2022 Parade will be epic! See you July 28, 29, 30, 2022!” said Heather MacMillan.
Attendees of all ages were seen with smiles and laughter as they watched the parade from the sidelines and following the parade they had the opportunity to enjoy music at an open stage located on Mainstreet as well as hamburgers sold by Christina’s Home Furnishings.