The annual Canada Day Parade in Sherwood Park has been cancelled indefinitely.
Back in 2002, when a non-profit was no longer able to host the event, the Sherwood Park and District Chamber of Commerce took over the event on what was meant to be a short-term basis while they searched for another host.
After twenty years of running the parade, the Chamber issued a statement announcing that the parade had been cancelled. The last parade hosted in Sherwood Park was in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Chamber cited the cost of infrastructure, insurance, and security as big reasons for reconsideration. These costs, along with volunteer requirements, led to them making the difficult decision to cancel the parade.
"It's a big task to organize the parade," said Rod Frank, mayor of Strathcona County. "Just getting the volunteers is one job alone that became very, very challenging."
However, just because the parade is gone doesn't mean there aren't ways to celebrate Canada Day in Sherwood Park. Starting at 9:00 a.m. at Broadmoor Lake Park, there will be a pancake breakfast, free activities, live entertainment, and fireworks to close the festivities at 11:00 p.m.
The County expects Canada Day celebrations at Broadmoor Lake Park to attract around 25,000 people.