Winkler’s streets will be full of energy and excitement Wednesday, June 18, as the annual Winkler Grad Parade takes over the city starting at 7:30 p.m. The event begins at Winkler Park and will feature students from both Northlands Parkway Collegiate (NPC) and Garden Valley Collegiate (GVC) dressed in their grad best and riding in decorated floats, classic cars, and decked-out trucks.
The parade is a community tradition that gives residents a chance to celebrate the graduating class and show them they’re supported as they move into the next chapter of life.
'It's a good show' – Grads reflect on a milestone moment
For students like Brooklyn Klassen, the whole experience still feels surreal.
“Honestly, it doesn't even feel real,” said Klassen. “I feel like it’ll just set in once it’s September and we’re not going back to school.”
Klassen says preparing for grad—including dress shopping, photos, and planning events—has been stressful, but the parade is a chance to enjoy the fun side of the milestone.
She’ll be riding in a trailer with friends, pulled by a truck and dressed up with decorations.
“Some people are bringing cool cars and everyone's got dresses and suits. It's always fun to see everyone's different personalities coming through—whether it’s what they’re wearing or how their trailer is decorated,” said Klassen. “It's a good show.”
Streamers, suits, and support from the community
Kennedy Wall is also gearing up for the parade with friends, riding on a trailer bed covered in streamers and balloons.
“It's also a really good way to support the grads and show that you care,” said Wall. “We’re excited to celebrate with everyone.”
For Wall, the final months of high school have been intense.
“I'm excited to be done. It was so stressful with teachers cramming everything in,” she said. “This is a huge relief.”
After the celebrations, Wall plans to attend the University of Winnipeg in the fall to pursue a Bachelor of Science, with the goal of eventually going into veterinary medicine.
NPC and GVC unite for a joint celebration
The parade marks one of the few grad events where students from both high schools come together in one celebration.
“It’ll be super exciting to be with all our friends from the other school and celebrate grad together,” said Klassen. For many grads, it’s one last chance to enjoy high school friendships before heading off on new adventures—whether it’s post-secondary education, gap years, or entering the workforce.
'We’ll look pretty good out there' – the guys are in, too
Rhett and Ryan Peters will be part of a float with a group of friends, including several members of the Friesen and Neufeld families.
“We're taking a trailer with eight of our buddies,” said Ryan. “We’ll probably decorate it... maybe hang some jerseys up. No balloons though.” The float may not be glittery, but the group is confident they’ll make a statement.
“I mean, we’ll look pretty good out there,” said Ryan with a laugh. His suit? “It’s like a sand color. Beige.”
For Rhett, the highlight of his high school years was winning the first-ever high school pickleball tournament in Manitoba.
“That was pretty fun,” he said. “We started off as a club and turned into a team.”
Parade route & details
The parade kicks off from Winkler Park at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 18. Spectators are encouraged to find a spot along the route—available online—and cheer on the grads as they roll by.
You can find the route on Instagram by searching @GVCAfterGrad2025 or @NPC2025aftergrad
From fancy dresses to float decorations, the parade offers a glimpse of the grads’ personalities and a final celebration of their achievements.
So bring your lawn chairs, signs, and applause—because these grads have earned it.