A Parade for All

The entries in Yellowknife's Canada Day Parade reflect the diversity, sometimes incongruous, in the city.

Here the Red Hat Society gets ready, while a couple of kids wait to lead the Philippine float, in their mini-Hummer.


The Mounties marched in precision, while a gaggle of Walmart employees in red t-shirts handed out favours to the kids on the sidewalk. The NWT Pipe Band and a handful of school kids provided some music. Fire trucks set off their sirens. And local, territorial and federal politicians cruised by in an assortment of vehicles, from a dune buggy to the popular convertible, allowing for maximum visibility.

This pooch got himself a ride, but a bunch of other dogs with 'Adopt Me' bandanas were marched through the parade by SPCA members.

There were only 3 floats in the parade: the Seniors (top photo), the Philippine Society and the Folk on the Rocks Festival. (That's happening in two weeks and includes Sara Harmer and a couple of the Trailer Park Boys.)

Most entrants, however, travelled by car, foot or on bike.

I've heard nothing about fireworks for tonight. But then you'd have to wait until midnight, and even then the sky isn't dark. Instead, I believe I'm going to be entertained by the band playing on the outdoor patio at Sam's Monkey Tree just down the road. They were dishing out free burgers with corn on the cob this afternoon, and the music is promised throughout the night. Can't wait for more tunes like "Taking Care of Business" and "Johnny Be Good".