Gold Cup Parade in Canada

Day:

The Gold Cup Parade is typically held on a Friday in mid-August, coinciding with Old Home Week, in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

History:

The parade began in the early 1960s and has since become the largest street parade in Atlantic Canada. It is associated with the Gold Cup & Saucer harness race, a prestigious event in the horse-racing community.

Traditions:

• Parade: The event features a grand parade that includes floats, marching bands, clowns, and various performers. Local businesses and organizations create elaborate floats that often reflect a particular theme chosen for the year.
• Themes: Each year a new theme is selected for the parade which participants incorporate into their float designs and performances.
• Royalty and Celebrities: The parade often features local dignitaries, festival royalty such as the "Queen of the Gold Cup Parade", and occasionally celebrity guests.
• Awards: Awards are given out for the best floats in various categories, encouraging creative and competitive entries.

What People Do:

On this day, residents and visitors line the streets of Charlottetown early in the morning to secure good viewing spots. Families enjoy watching the colorful floats and entertainers pass by. Community engagement is high as local businesses participate actively. It's a day filled with music, dance, festivity, and local pride where people come together to celebrate their community spirit.