Construction on Queen pushes Rotary parade one block over

Construction on Queen during Rotaryfest? No problem.

The 101st Rotary Community Day Parade has plans to march on — just on a different route.

The parade, set to take place July 20, will launch on Bay Street with a new theme this year, “Welcome to the Zoo!” With the menagerie of CATs, cranes, and other construction equipment downtown, this theme is "sure to be fun for all participants," says a news release issued today by Rotary organizers. 

Bay Street will remain closed from lower Pim Street to Andrew Street/St. Mary’s River Drive for the duration of the parade, with limited access to St. Mary’s River Drive and Foster Drive.

For more information, see the press release below: 

No Access? No Problem! The 101st Rotary Community Day Parade presented by Evolugen is set to change course this year, running West on Bay Street on Saturday, July 20. The decision to change routes was necessary due to the Queen Street reconstruction plan, which is scheduled to begin later this month and continue through the summer. Bay Street will remain closed from lower Pim Street to Andrew Street/St. Mary’s River Drive for the duration of the parade, with limited access to St. Mary’s River Drive and Foster Drive.

“It [route changes] has been done a couple of times before. This year, we will be lining up on Queen Street East as per usual and start at 11 AM, but detouring south on Pim Street then head westerly on Bay Street to disperse at Andrew Street,” shared Parade Marshal, David Marshall.

“The Sault Ste. Marie Police services will be monitoring, and we expect a smooth flow with no issues. Bay Street was recently reconstructed and will present itself well as an enjoyable venue to watch the Parade”

The parade will launch on Bay Street with a new theme this year – “Welcome to the Zoo!” With the menagerie of CATs, cranes, and other construction equipment downtown, this aptly chosen parade theme is sure to be fun for all participants. The easily executable theme aims to draw more corporate and community float entries, while being enjoyable for parade-goers of all ages.

Thanks to Evolugen’s support, prizes for Best Corporate Entry, Best Community Entry, and Entry Best Depicting Theme, will each include a plaque and a $500 cash prize. The Best in Parade Winston Piper Memorial Trophy recipient will take home a grand prize of $1,000!

The Miracle Mile Colour Blast presented by YNCU will run for one mile westward on Bay Street ahead of the parade from the Bushplane Canadian Heritage Centre to GFL Memorial Gardens.

Interested in joining the parade this year for a once in a lifetime backwards ride down Bay Street? Download the parade information package online at www.rotaryfest.com/parade.