The longest parade in Southwestern Ontario is about to turn the big 4-0.
The Thamesville Threshing Fest parade will celebrate its 40th anniversary when it kick starts the two-day event on July 3.
“The most distinguishing factor about this years parade is that they have invited 40 years worth of queens, kings, princes and princesses back to attend the parade. We probably have 50 per cent of those positions coming back to this parade for this year. They will be riding at the start of the parade,” Kristy Metcalfe, advertising chair with Threshing Fest.
She said there will likely be a threshing machine leading off the parade this year too.
“It has sort of lost its touch over the years that Threshing Festival is meant for threshing. It’s not something that is typically done until July, so we have held the event in June normally, and it’s not ready. However, we are going to be hopefully leading the parade with an old threshing machine this year,” Kristy said.
The route starts at Ferguson Park and winds through town.
“It hits streets like Anne St., Lemuel St. and Main St. and ends back up at the park. It is approximately one hour to one and a half hours long. It is the longest parade in Southwestern Ontario.”
Kristy said there are typically 100-120 entries.
“I don’t have the final count yet for this year but I know that we are probably on target for that. They range from tractors, police cars, there are classic cars, antique cars, businesses, non-profit organizations, schools, clubs that all enter the parade,” she said.
The parade starts at 6:30 p.m. at the park.
“We are still taking entries right up until Thursday, July 2nd. We will take entries via email threshingfestival@gmail.com,” Kristy said.
For the rest of the Thamesville Threshing Festival information, give them a ‘Like’ on Facebook.
Here are photos from past parades:
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