YORKTON — Costumes, decorated bicycles and plenty of smiling faces filled the streets around the Legacy Co-op Yorkton Food Store on July 2, as families gathered for the annual Kiddies’ Day Parade.
The event welcomed children from Yorkton and surrounding communities for a morning of fun, creativity and friendly competition, with prizes awarded for best costume, best float and the popular King and Queen of Freckles contest.
Brady Lang, marketing co-ordinator with Legacy Co-op, said the parade is all about giving local children an opportunity to enjoy themselves and be part of a community tradition.
“It’s a day for all the kids in Yorkton and area to come out and have a little bit of fun,” Lang said. “Lots are dressed up, lots are riding bikes, but a little bit of everything today.”
Participants arrived early for registration before judges circulated among the entrants, taking in an array of colourful costumes, decorated wagons, bicycles and floats ahead of the 10 a.m. parade start.
Among those helping judge the parade was Mayor Aaron Kienle, who praised both the turnout and the enthusiasm displayed by participants.
“Such a fun day to get out with everybody,” he said. “There’s no rain, the sun is shining, so really thankful for that.”
Favourable weather helped draw a strong crowd despite earlier concerns that rain might impact the event.
One of the largest groups participating came from the Escape Summer Program, whose members arrived dressed as minions, adding a bright splash of yellow and blue to the parade route. They were joined by many other young participants showcasing imaginative costumes and decorations.
“It’s always hard to be a judge because you’ve got to pick some winners,” said Kienle. “We’ve got some great costumes here and some good winners.”
Kienle also thanked the parents and guardians who helped make the event possible by bringing their children out to take part.
With sunshine overhead, strong community support and plenty of youthful enthusiasm on display, the Kiddies’ Day Parade once again delivered a memorable start to a day dedicated to local children and families.
Following the parade, participants and spectators were invited to stay for a barbecue by donation, capping off another successful community celebration in Yorkton.
