Nanaimo Empire Days Parade

Since 1837 Nanaimo has had an annual Empire Days Parade, and while most people today can't tell you who Queen Victoria even was, this event in her honour is an ever popular family event in Nanaimo.

The parade and all the other Empire Days activities are made possible by the hard work and selfless effort of the many volunteers who make up the Nanaimo Empire Days Celebration Society & Nanaimo Lion's Club.

For more complete information on the Society and the history behind the Empire Days Celebrations visit their website using this LINK .

The following pictures were taken at the Empire Days Parade 2009 under beautiful blue skies and lovely balmy weather. There was barely a place left to sit or stand along the parade route as thousands of Nanaimo families gathered to enjoy this popular event.

If you or your group think you would like to participate in next years parade, start planning now and contact the Society for information and entry forms.

I have deliberately limited the descriptions of the photos preferring to let the pictures speak for themselves, that also means I won't get anyone mad at me for misspelling their name. :^)

The Parade 2009

You have to come early if you want a good seat, as any experienced parade watcher knows!

The annual hot dog sale is always a success, you need to come early before they sell out, and they always do!

You can see the wisdom in coming early if you want a good seat.

All along the parade route it was standing room only, as all the good 'seats' were taken already.

You can't park on the parade route, as this driver was to learn.

The Seattle Motorcycle Drill Team thrilled the crowd with their precision riding.

The latest in firefighting equipment? It was in it's day!

Nanaimo Firefighters On Parade. More up to date equipment.

Fire Departments Fire Safety training house.

A Welcome site if you are in trouble on the water!