Monday’s Victoria Day Parade: What to expect, and where to watch

Monday's Victoria Day Parade: What to expect, and where to watch
CHEK

On Monday, the City of Victoria will be holding one of its longest-run traditions, the Victoria Day Parade — and this year’s theme is “That 70s Parade.”

Those attending are being encouraged to bring their bell bottoms, as the day is expected to be jam-packed with references to a decade defined by disco.

This year marks the event’s 123rd year. It’s being held in partnership with CHEK News and Thrifty Foods.

If you want to watch from home, you can join one of our many live streams available on CHEK+, our Facebook Page, YouTube or on-air on channel Six.

In previous years there’s been upwards of 80,000 people that turn out to the parade and watch along the roadways.

Prior to the parade, there will be the Douglas Mile, a historic run that has participants walk and run from Douglas and Summit street, all the way to city hall.

All of the proceeds from the race will be donated to The Parkinson Project.

The run kicks off at 8:45 a.m., followed by the parade itself at 9 a.m.

Three minutes before the parade starts, 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron will conduct a fly-past in honour of the late-great Paul Kilshaw, who passed earlier this year.

Aside from the parade, the entire day is jam-packed with activities, including live music, bouncy castles, food trucks, and more.

This year will see the return of the American bands that could not come as a result of the pandemic.

“Honestly, my highlight? I am so excited that the American bands are back,” said Kelly Kurta, director of the Greater Victoria Festival Society.

“It’s a tradition, it is a rite of passage for a lot of these students. It’s their senior trip, and they missed it for three years.”

For a full schedule, visit The Greater Victoria Festival Society’s website.

Those that wish to drive to the event, or have other plans in the area should be aware of the traffic disruptions and are encouraged to walk, bike, or take public transit to the event.

The Victoria Bike Valet, a free bike parking service, will be operating at the event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The parade will run along Douglas Street. It will begin at Finlayson at 9 a.m. and continue along Douglas, finishing at Courtney. 

Travel along Douglas Street will be impacted by the parade. A road closure will come into effect starting at 7 a.m., Monday.

Keith Chevrier, a local resident, lived in downtown Victoria back in 1979. Here he is waiting for the Victoria Day parade back then.

 

CHEK NewsCHEK News

Recent Stories

Send us your news tips and videos!