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- The vintage equipment entered by E. Cumming Contracting Inc. in the 2022 parade was probably hard at work on a construction site when the OHW was less than a decade old. Glenn Cummings relaxes in a place on honour next to the machine’s shovel. (Matthew Flemming photo)
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- Halley Plumbing entry with a man enjoying a bubble bath earned best comedic float. (Matthew Flemming photo)
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- The Miss New Brunswick pageant, taking place Tuesday, Aug 2, at the McCain Community Theatre, joined Sunday’s parade. (Matthew Flemming photo)
After a pandemic hiatus, a huge crowd turns out for the seven-decade-old event featuring 60 entries
The theme for the 2022 edition of the Old Home Week Parade was Mardi Gras. Parade coordinator Andrea Anderson said the committee specifically chose that theme to encourage people to come out and celebrate.
The Sunday, July 31, parade, the first since 2019, was large, featuring 60 entrants. It took an hour to travel the parade route from Deakin Drive to NBCC.
Large crowds braved the heat to celebrate once again the parade and the start of Old Home Week. Parade judges handed out prizes in four categories, with Avondale Kitchens taking best Mardi Gras Theme. The best Walking Group award went to the River Valley Gymnastics.
Hallet Plumbing won the top prize in the comedic category. The best organization award went to the Woodstock Fire Department.
The four winners received a $50 gift certificate for The River restaurant.
Tammey McLean served as the 2022 parade marshall. Anderson said she invited McLean to fill the position of honour two years ago, but the pandemic forced cancellation over the past two years.
She said a position is designed to honour community activism. Anderson, the OHW parade coordinator for the past eight years, was pleased with the participants and the turnout.
“It was wonderful to have so much music,” said Anderson.
“The bagpipes are always popular, but it was fitting to have it end with Ronnie Michaud playing on a couch. I was hoping to see people out and celebrating, so it was a successful parade.”
Anderson travelled within the parade, along with Mitch Gibson, as official pooper scoopers. She said even though the weather was hot, everyone seemed happy and waved their hands.
“There was a nice variety in the floats and everything on display,” said Anderson. “It’s nice to have traditional and historic things, like the horse and steamer.”
Next year’s parade will celebrate the 75th year of Old Home Week. Anderson said volunteering is always a rewarding experience in the community, and volunteers are always welcome.
