Canada Day Parade: Raymond, Alberta, Canada

In the summer, we all have a little extra time to visit family, friends or explore new places.  Not to mention, it's warmer.  Warm weather  and summer both bring along with them parades; a fun part of the season, especially for the kids.

I used to love parades.  The floats, candy, friends and family, music, and costumes.  But as I've gotten older, I have fallen out of love.  I don't know any of the people sitting in the old and/or fancy cars (this is usually just political exposure), there are few or no floats, not a lot of costumes, and lots of places don't allow candy throwing anymore.  It's become so bland. 

There is one parade that I still love to attend.  And if you get the chance, you should go too.  It's a small town parade in Raymond, Alberta, Canada.  Their parade is in celebration of Canada Day.  I say this is a small town parade because it takes place in a small town; however, they have huge spirit when it comes to July 1st celebrations.  And the town more than quadruples in size for the event.  People come from all over to enjoy the parade with their families and friends.  It's a huge party.

Here is a taste of the parade:

Waiting for the parade with their treat buckets.

 Royal Canadian Mounted Police

A parade wouldn't be a parade in Canada without the RCMP.

picking up candy

Pirates Beware

The Raymond High School Band.

They actually play while marching.  I have been to too many parades where the band is just walking by silently.  And these guys are good.

Shriner's

A bagpipe band.  So fun.  

Wizard of Oz

Lego Movie

Everything is Awesome!

Raymond Baptist Church

 A line of kids pulled by a tractor.  There were two of these in the parade.

The Haunted Mansion

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Raymond Alberta Stake

I don't remember if this was Noah's boat or Nephi's boat.

And, of course, horses.  You cannot have a small town parade without horses.

LDS 3rd Ward

Building on the dreams of the pioneers

I love the smaller entries into the parade.  The creativity of people is so great.

Shane Rodeback Exc.

The LARGEST front loader I have ever seen in my life.

Huge Radio Flyer Wagon

A family celebrating a great-grandfather's 90th birthday.

Big Trucks.  Because country

Sunset Lake Properties

fun lake activities happening on their float

International Rotary Club

Inspection of the candy

This parade is a blast.  Almost every entry throws candy, and a ton of it.  So, no kids get left out.  Watch out for the occasional water gun shooting.  They will get you.  Don't forget to dress up and get your tattoo.

You will not be disappointed in this activity with the kids. If you get stuck in town because of all the traffic, take a breath, wave, and enjoy the moment to just be in a small town.