East York Canada Day parade returns after two-year hiatus

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Again in 2020, Sandra Collins and 6 of her mates from Hendriks Courtroom seniors residence have been on the East York Canada Day parade.

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The Group of Seven, as they have been aptly named, paraded forwards and backwards from their residence at Woodbine Ave. and O’Connor Dr. to Cosburn Ave. waving flags to adoring motorists, cyclists and pedestrians who cheered for them and their spirit.

On Friday, after a two-year hiatus due to COVID, Collins and 1000’s of fellow East Yorkers lined the streets from Dieppe Park to Stan Wadlow Park to rejoice the return of sixty fifth annual parade.

“I hope to nonetheless be round for the 2024 Canada Day Parade as a result of it will likely be the one centesimal anniversary of East York,” stated Collins, with fellow resident Rita Conn at her facet.

Collins stated it has been “unhappy” for the previous two years lacking out on easy issues like train courses and even seeing the individuals on the parade.

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“Its nice there are a variety of children this 12 months,” she stated. “Greater than ever.”

Conn emigrated to Canada a few years in the past from her house in Belfast, Northern Eire, and was a part of the seven in 2020.

“Its sensible,” stated Conn. “Yearly we sit up for it.”

“And we are able to sit right here on the entrance (of the residence ) and watch the fireworks. We don’t need to go to the park.”

Even Toronto Mayor John Tory together with East York-Seashores Councillor Brad Bradford took day trip from the parade to greet the women exterior of their residence and thank them for carrying on the parade custom.

At Stan Wadlow Park, children and their households loved slides and different rides, like merry-go-rounds, and video games of likelihood to win stuffed animals.

Additionally they listened to bands on the primary stage just like the East York Blues Allstars who kicked the Canada Day festivities into excessive gear.

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Among the many households, there have been 5 who lately fled war-torn Ukraine and now dwell in East York with a number of having their youngsters being handled at Sick Children hospital.

A corporation known as Meagan’s Hug bought t-shirts and hats to boost cash to help the households and present the true Canadian multi-cultural friendship the nation is constructed upon.

And because the Canada Day lengthy weekend continues, Stan Wadlow will maintain its fireworks show Saturday at 10 p.m.

A snafu of types occurred with a vendor who was contracted by the Metropolis of Toronto didn’t come by means of on the fireworks show. Fortuitously, one other fireworks firm stepped in on the final second.

jboland@postmedia.com