The coronavirus may have cancelled Esquimalt’s Buccaneer Days this year, but at least one part of the event will go on.
On Saturday May 9, the Buccaneer Days’ popular Morgana float will parade through the streets of Esquimalt between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Bob McKie, Esquimalt Buccaneer Days chairman, told CHEK News the one-float parade featuring the Morgana is meant to bring joy and brighten the community’s spirit during these difficult and challenging times.
“This is our way of being able to get around and cheer people up,” he said.
The Morgana will follow Buccaneer Days’ traditional parade route, which is about 32.5 kilometres long and includes major streets like Esquimalt Road, Lampson Street, Tillicum Road, Craigflower Road and Admirals Road.
McKie said there are also plans for the Morgana to visit nearby hospitals at the end of the parade.
“[The Morgana] is going to go both hospitals to see if they can’t send a little cheer that way,” he said.
Residents are being asked to watch and wave from their balconies or front doors as the float passes, in an effort to ensure people remain physically distanced from each other.
Organizers are also encouraging residents to colour pirate pictures and display them in their windows.
Pirate costumes and props are also welcomed.
Buccaneer Days, which has been around for more than 60 years, was cancelled this year due to COVID-19.
McKie said the event will return in 2021.
For more information, please visit www.esquimalt.ca or www.esquimaltbuccaneerdays.ca.
Parade route shown above. (Source: Town of Esquimalt)
Nicholas Pescod
