Victoria Day Celebrations In Woodstock

Thursday, 16 May 2019 08:06

The Friendly City is celebrating Victoria Day with a lot of attractions happening this weekend.

WOODSTOCK - The City of Woodstock is celebrating Victoria Day by holding a variety of activities in the community.

The biggest attraction this year is the Victoria Day parade on Monday.

Manager of Communications and Special Events for City of Woodstock, Brad Janssen says there are different bands performing this year.

"Marching bands, we've got about 13, 14 different marching bands, some of the best in the province and I'm not just saying that but we do attract some great, great entertainment in that regard. Of course the biggest and the best is the Burlington Teen Tour Band, which everybody looks forward to seeing because they are a global attraction. And others that will be participating will be the Ayr-Paris Band, the DOCA Brass De LaSalle Oakland Crusaders and the Philippine Heritage Band. We have the Ingersoll Pipe Band which has probably been a part of this parade, if not 72 years then certainly 65 of them and they lead the charge so to speak. One of my favourites is Top Hat Marching Band, they dress a little differently,they're high steppers, play good music and very entertaining. So, there's something for everybody. A lot of shriners participate and then floats representing different groups, organizations and businesses."

Janssen says it's the type of event that brings the community together.

"It brings the community together, it's an all inclusive event. It brings young and old, though we do attract a number of people from out of town too because of the quality of the Victoria Day parade which I believe we're one of the only communities that celebrates Queen Victoria in this fashion. 72 years is a long time, this is my 18th, and it's always a challenge to make it bigger and better but we've accomplished that goal and we've got a great lineup this year. So that'll start 10 o'clock on Monday morning from the Woodstock Fairgrounds and weave its way down Dundas Street to Southside Park. It's going to be a great parade, lots of colour, a lot of activity, some great marching bands so looking forward to another great event."

The parade will leave the Woodstock Fairgrounds at 10:00am and turn on to Mackenzie Street, before turning right onto Dundas Street. It will then head west to Wellington Street South over a railroad overpass to Henry Street West, and make its way on Henry Street to Finkle Street and into the entrance at Southside Park after crossing Cedar Creek.

Leading up to the event, activities will start today and tomorrow, which is put on by the World's Finest Shows at Southside Park. The events will feature daily specials and rides including a Merry-go-round, Hampton Boats and Bikes, Cannonball Drop, along with treats like cotton candy, caramel apples, French fries and more.

Single coupons are $2.00 each, 10 coupons will cost $18.00, 22 coupons will be $36.00 and 40 coupons are $55.00. Each ride requires two to three coupons per person.

Smoking will also be strictly prohibited. Personnel will be on site monitoring.

The event will start at 5:00pm today and tomorrow and from Saturday to Monday at 12:00pm.