Organizers plan a Canada 150 parade – in Aylmer!

This year Aylmer residents will be able celebrate Canada Day close to home. Previously, residents did not have a local celebration for the national holiday, due to the proximity of Ottawa. Many avoid the large crowds in Ottawa on July 1, and have said they’d prefer to honour the day in a more relaxed way with family and friends. Since this year’s sesquicentennial celebrations in Ottawa could attract an additional 1.75 million visitors, Stephany Crowley, an organizer of the Aylmer celebrations, believes Aylmerites should have a “family-friendly alternative to the downtown”.

 

In 2016, the Aylmer Legion hosted a Canada Day BBQ with activities for families. The response was “so enthusiastic”, Crowley says, “that organizers decided to take it further this 100-year anniversary of the battle of Vimy Ridge in France, a defining moment in Canada’s history.

The Legion, partnering with local businesses and community groups, plans a parade up rue Principale, beginning at 10 am at Front and Principale to end at the cenotaph in Memorial Park. The celebrations continue at noon with a military salute and a fly-by from the Canadian Snow Birds. Two zones, the Aylmer Legion (3 rue Bancroft) and Memorial Park, will offer family activities, historical exhibits and a BBQ, as well as an after-party with live music. 

Coordinators are relying on support from residents and local businesses. Businesses can be sponsors and community organizations can join in the parade; individuals are needed to assist with these events or to offer other activities. More details are on the event website, ohcanadaaylmer.com.