WATCH: Ceilidh Millar has a preview of the 119th Island Farms Victoria Day Parade presented by Natrel.
Galey Farms in Saanich is known for its structures and creations of all shapes and sizes.
Rob Galey’s latest masterpiece is his entry in the 119th Island Farms Victoria Day Parade, presented by Natrel.
The giant tractor float is decked out with a train, wind mill and giant strawberries.
“Our biggest feature is our grandfather’s 1951 John Deere leading the front of the float here” explained Galey.
Galey’s float is one of 105 entries in this year’s parade.
It’s an event that for more than a hundred years has been a Victoria Day long weekend staple for generations of families and visitors.
“We’re so excited that when people think of Victoria Day they come to Victoria” said Kelly Kurta of the Greater Victoria Festival Society, who is organizing the parade.
Smaller, but shorter
Despite more than 3,000 participants performing in the parade, it will be smaller than last year.
Kurta says they’ve reduced the number of entries by 20 but it’s for a good reason.
“We want to provide a larger experience in a shorter amount of time” she said.
Previous parades have ran nearly three hours which has been a concern for families with young children.
While it may have fewer entries this year, Kurta says the program has some exciting new additions.
“Our theme is commemorating Canada’s 150th birthday,” she said. “You’re going to see a lot of Canadian flags, a lot of red and white.”
“There’s a lot of people that redesign their float every year,” explained Brian Hirsche of Island Farms. “It’s all because they love this event.”
CHEK News coverage
The parade will leave from Mayfair Shopping Centre at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, May 22.
CHEK News will have full coverage starting at 9:30 a.m. online and on-air.
Check your TV schedule for a rerun of our parade coverage later that day.
Ceilidh Millar
