Walk in a Parade

If you’ve ever watched the Cariwest parade go down Jasper Avenue and said to yourself “I wanna do that,” this is THE year to join the fun. Traditionally, the last group is the People’s Band. And as the name suggests, it’s a band meant for the people. No permission is required to join and there’s no dress code.  This year’s parade of 12 mas bands will be led by parade marshal Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi. (See, you won’t be the only person doing something for the first time.) The Cariwest parade starts at 108 Street and 99 Avenue at noon and makes it way to Churchill Square for 2:30-ish.

Few Downtown Edmonton events are as vibrant and culturally diverse than Cariwest Festival which celebrates the traditions, history, culture and the peoples of Trinidad and Tobago other Caribbean islands. Aside from the parade, August 5 to 7, there’s a Caribbean Village in Churchill Square with a free family-friendly activities, cuisine, steel pans and international soca artists King Bubba, Farmer Nappy, Preedy, Rae and more.

Hyped about walking in the parade? Here are a few things to know. Wear comfortable shoes to walk the 1.2 km route. Bring a flask of water. It gets hot out there on the pavement. New this year, official Cariwest T-shirts are available for purchase for $5 at Churchill Square from August 2 to 5. You can wear a Cariwest T-shirt or whatever you choose. Most importantly, get out there and have fun! This is your year to walk in a parade.