The Victoria Day Parade, the city’s largest annual parade, was cancelled for the second year in a row. Marching bands, dancers, and a show of culture is something Victoria won’t be seeing much of this year because of the pandemic.
However, Will Arnold and a group of friends are making sure they keep the tradition alive with their unique wheels.
“We just want to put a smile on the community’s face,” says Arnold.
On Monday, the five of them took their penny-farthing bikes for a spin around downtown Victoria, showing off their skills and putting smiles on people’s faces.
“A lot of people just beep, wave and yell out, you made my day,” added Arnold. “So we just want to bring a smile to everyone’s face and wish everybody a safe Victoria Day.”
The Victoria Day Parade is a long-standing spectacle that usually draws in thousands of spectators, spanning back more than a century.
“To not have it feels like somethings missing and I really hope things get back on track for next year,” says Mitch Guindon, one of the penny-farthing riders.
The crowds may be missing, but the spirit is still there and these cyclists have renewed hope that they may ride alongside the floats, next year.
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Hannah Lepine
