SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Thousands lined along the parade route to watch a sea of creative floats, horses, army personnel and vintage vehicles roll through downtown Summerside Saturday afternoon.
Lori MacFarlane travelled from Alberta with her family to soak in the colourful scene, with friends gathered along the sidelines on Water Street.
“I grew up watching this parade,” said the Summerside native while listening to the honking of fire truck horns, live music, and the clip-clop of miniature horse hooves. “There’s a strong sense of camaraderie, and it’s great my children and friends all get to experience this (community spirit) together."
More than 50 registered floats participated in the Callbecks Home Hardware Summerside Lobster Carnival Parade, which started from Holland College Waterfront Campus parking lot and ended at the Credit Union Place.
Tracey Linkletter, with the Summerside and Area Christian Council Association Inc., was walking with 25 volunteers decked in pink t-shirts handing out bottled water among the floats.
“We just wanted to say, ‘We love you, Summerside!'"
The Christian group could be seen later in the afternoon cleaning the parade route, working on yards, washing vehicles, and hosting a barbecue at Trinity United Church – all for free.
Fan favourites of the 63rd edition of the Lobster Carnival (from July 11 to 13) included Canada’s oldest bodybuilder Ernie Heckbert, aged 89, who participated in the parade. Chef Robert Pendergast, the East Coast Amusements Midway, harness racing at Red Shores Summerside Raceway, and more.
Jason Awalt was on the Lobster Carnival grounds, where the parade concluded, capturing pictures of his son Jaden and his wife Gina on the carousel while he watched baby Ella.
“Our family recently moved back to Summerside after seven years living in Shenzhen, China,” said Awalt.
“Gina and I were working at a Canadian International School and then we had two children and realized we missed the things from home (Summerside), the family-orientated stuff like this.”
“This morning we went to the parade and we were quite impressed,” continued Awalt. “But to just have these events set up in a small town is quite impressive, there's a huge sense of community spirit, and that’s the reason why we moved back to Summerside from China.”
Awalt said his family of four left the bustling city near Hong Kong for a more peaceful life, where their kids can play outside.
One of the organizers of the event and the cultural programming coordinator with Culture Summerside, Marlene Campbell commented, “We are thankful the weather cleared and there was a good amount of participation in the parade.”
