Last updated March 19, 2020
COVID-19 Update
Last updated March 19, 2020
It is with a heavy heart the Greater Victoria Festival Society, following the announcement from the Office of the Provincial Health Officer, Ministry of Health, have officially cancelled the 122nd Island Farms Victoria Day Parade, the 2nd Annual Douglas Mile and the Festival of Bands, scheduled for May 16, 17, and 18th, 2020.
The Ministry of Health announced March 16th, the Provincial Class Order cancelling events over 50 people, in place until May 30, 2020.
These are unprecedented times. This is the 1st time in 12 decades of the Parade that it has been cancelled. The 122nd Annual event sees close to 100,000 people lined along the Douglas Street Parade Route, and is the largest event in the City,
The Greater Victoria Festival Society is a non profit organization. The Victoria Day Parade and weekend festivities are the highlight of the Victoria Events Scene, the largest event in the City, and the longest standing parade in Canada. The financial impact of the cancellation is considerable. The May long weekend has 1000 hotel rooms booked for participants alone, not including the thousands of Islanders, Canadians and out of country tourists that descend on the Capital city. Millions of dollars are brought into the City during this weekend.
We are asking our current entries to please be patient with us and in lieu of a refund asking if they consider allowing their entry fee to stand for the 2021 parade. This will help support our organization during these challenging times.
So many people work hard throughout the year to put this event together. In fact, we start planning for the following year, the day after the parade ends.
As a way to thank all our registrants and volunteers, and to keep the spirit of the parade alive, we are setting up a “Virtual Parade.” We want our Canadian and American bands, our multicultural performers, floats, and walking groups to send us your videos, or your pictures of one of your past performances so we can put together a fun, “122nd Island Farms Victoria Salutes Sport Virtual Parade.” We will give out ‘prizes’ for the top bands and the top entries and performances! What is your favorite part of the Victoria Day Parade? Join in some fun while staying at home!
Stay tuned as we will be hosting an online Easter contest as we did with our St Patrick’s Day coloring contest!
We all have a role to play in stopping the spread of COVID-19. The Greater Victoria Festival Society is making every effort to protect our community. Social distancing and event cancellation is one way we can help take a proactive approach and ‘flatten the curve.’
Thank you to our amazing Community! We will see you again soon!
