Whether it’s about “polluting” the village centre with a few vehicles running through, or more broadly “cultural cancellation,” as it is coming to be known by, I don’t think the organizers this year adequately thought through the cancellation of this year’s Canada Day parade in Whistler.
Just speaking for our entry, The Kelty Patrick Dennehy Foundation marchers and our 20-year support of the Black Tusk Caledonia Pipe Band who follow us, the news both surprised and disappointed us. Not only do we finance the band, which needs donations for instruments and jamborees, but we like to think we raise awareness of mental health in the community that supports us so dearly.
I won’t even go into the thrills it gives the kids in their cycling regalia, the recognition toward local citizens and organizations and the hundreds of expectant folks lining the streets, all in the name of traditional, good clean fun and entertainment.
In defense of the committee, they did offer us an opportunity to march through the village at an impromptu time in August, but it clearly wouldn’t have been the same.
Sorry locals and visitors, but we will all have to share the impact of common sense and good vibes going the way of the dodo bird.
