Tens of thousands jammed the streets of downtown Victoria, Monday, for the 123rd Victoria Day parade, the city’s largest spectacle of the year.
And for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, student bands were allowed to travel from the United States and participate in the festivities.
“It’s great to have them back,” said one man who was enjoying the parade with his family. “I’ve enjoyed the parade since I was a kid, and it’s always been a highlight for me.”
At least two high school marching bands from Washington State joined local students to perform.
Pandemic restrictions prevented what is, for most students, a senior year highlight.
“I love ’em because they’re big and they perform very well,” said another parade spectator who welcomed the return of U.S.-based bands.
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The parade is one of Victoria’s marquee events, drawing up to 80,000 people to downtown Victoria before the pandemic.
No estimate of crowd size was immediately available Monday, though those in attendance said cool temperatures and a brief rain shower made the day pleasant.
The day was not without its touching moments.
“Glory to Ukraine,” Ukrainian refugees chanted as they marched behind a sign reading “Thank you Greater Victoria.”
There are about 1,000 Ukrainian refugees on Vancouver Island, according to Help Ukraine Vancouver Island, a charity that helps newly arrived families settle into their new lives.
It also featured a flypast by the 443 Maritime Helicopter Squadron to honour Paul Kilshaw, a local entertainer whose balloon-making brought a smile to Princess Charlotte’s face during a Royal visit in 2016. Kilshaw died suddenly on April 19 at work. He was 60 years old.
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