Port Alberni’s Folk Fest committee needs entries for the Canada Day parade on July 1.
So far, only two entries have been submitted—and the deadline is June 15, parade marshal Theresa Hopkins said.
This year’s theme is ‘Happy Birthday’, as Canadians prepare to celebrate the country’s 150th birthday.
This year’s Alberni Valley celebration features a multitude of changes. The parade route has moved to Stamp Avenue and Third Avenue, between Catalyst Paper’s parking lot and Dunbar Street, just past Smitty’s Restaurant. The route is a similar length to the previous one on 10th Avenue, 1.25 kms, Hopkins said.
This year’s folk fest celebration that traditionally follows the parade has been moved to Harbour Quay from Glenwood Centre. The parade will also start at the new time of 10 a.m., with marshalling starting between 7:30–8 a.m. in the Catalyst parking lot.
Entries can be anything from floats to classic cars and vehicles, animals to clowns and groups on foot. “If you want to come and be a part of the parade, we want you to be part of the parade,” Hopkins said.
Folk Fest is also looking for food vendors for the festival that will follow the parade. Setup will be at Harbour Quay this year, Hopkins said. Vendor applications need to be submitted as soon as possible.
Forms are available on the folk fest Facebook page ( ‘Port Alberni Folk Fest &Canada Day Parade’), or by e-mailing a request to CanadaDayParade@gmail.com. Completed entries can either be emailed back to folk fest or dropped off at Gayle’s Fashions on Kingsway Avenue at Argyle Street, or the Alberni Valley News, at 4656 Margaret Street.
editor@albernivalleynews.com