In a year of toilet paper shortages, face masks, ‘porchtraits’ and uncertainty, it’s time to rally as a community and celebrate Canada Day on July 1.
While the traditional parade and fireworks show have been cancelled, the Airdrie Parades Committee has come up with a way for residents to celebrate their love for their country from the comfort of their homes.
The Airdrie Canada Day Home Decorating Contest will bring the festivities right to residents’ neighbourhoods.
“This a great opportunity to have some free, family-friendly, socially-distant fun on Canada Day. Plus, it’s a great way to explore your community in full Canada Day spirit,” says Sam Morros, social media director for Airdrie Parades.
Residents are encouraged to proudly display their red and white for all to see on their balconies, doorsteps, patios, garages, driveways or entire houses to show their patriotic pride.
“We recognize that times are challenging for many families, so we encourage families to get creative with what they have,” says Morros.
“Some exciting ways could include sidewalk chalk displays or homemade papercrafts to be displayed in the window. We also encourage families to dress up and make themselves part of their display.”
Airdrie Parades will be hosting some video tutorials of easy crafts on their Facebook page.
Judges will parade through the streets of Airdrie, evaluating entrants on their creativity and community spirit.
The community will be split into four quadrants, with one judge each. Currently, Mayor Peter Brown, MLA Angela Pitt and MP Blake Richards will be judging. The fourth judge will be a community member.
The displays that are deemed to be the best by the judges will move on to a community vote, competing for some prizes from local businesses.
Morros says there are thousands of dollars of prizes up for grabs and there will be first, second and third place winners in each quadrant.
Airdrie residents are encouraged to have their own “reverse parade” by touring the decorated homes using the map of registered houses that will be available here.
Residents who want to be considered for the contest must register their homes by clicking here.
For more information or to vote for your favourite house on Canada Day, click here.
stacie@frogmediainc.ca
