Canada Day is just around the corner but with COVID-19 pandemic still ongoing and restrictions on large gatherings still in place, communities are coming up with different ways to celebrate the nation’s birthday.
The coronavirus pandemic has altered Canada Day festivities for just about every community in British Columbia, including the Village of Tahsis, which normally celebrates the big day by encouraging everyone to gather at the visitor centre for a party.
“Usually, we have a big outdoor thing with hotdogs and cake, but that’s not happening this year,” said Tahsis Mayor Martin Davis.
While some communities are encouraging people to celebrate in their backyard, or holding treasure hunts, and staging virtual celebrations, Tahsis has decided to go a different route by holding a Canada Day vehicle parade.
Residents are encouraged to decorate their car, truck, SUV, motorbike, RV. Residents can also build their own float. Children are also allowed to join in on bikes, provided they, and everyone else, are physically distancing themselves from others.
Participants will be judged by Tahsis mayor and council based on how well their vehicle, float or bike is decorated. First place will receive $200, second place will get $125, and third place will take home $75.
Davis said the idea to hold a car parade was inspired by a car parade that was recently held for graduates from the local school, Captain Meares Elementary Secondary School.
“We were trying to figure out what we could do for Canada Day that was socially distanced and we figured a car parade for that sounds good too,” he said.
The parade will start at the cenotaph and end at the recreation centre, with kids on bikes being allowed to join in when the parade reaches the Tahsis visitor centre and museum building.
“Tahsis isn’t that big. Basically the route will go all around town and all the loops, so everybody can see it. It’s going to go all around town and everyone will get to see it,” Davis explained.
An ambulance and a fire truck are also expected to participate in the parade.
“We’re pulling out all the stops for a small town,” Davis said with a laugh.
For more information visit www.villageoftahsis.com.
Nicholas Pescod
