Two dozen stately swans waddled through Stratford on Sunday for the beloved Spring Swan Parade.
The annual event, which draws thousands of camera-toting aviphiles, usually marks the unofficial start of spring.
But this year, the parade was pushed back several weeks due to unpredictable weather.
“[It’s] something that is not only for the Stratford citizens but for everyone within southwestern Ontario to enjoy the start of spring,” says Brad Beedy, the chairman for the event.
And these aren’t your average swans – the birds are descended from Queen Elizabeth 2’s royal bevy.
They’ve been part of Stratford’s history since 1918.
“It's just tradition,” says Josh Follings, who got into the swan spirit on Sunday. “Like every tradition, they have to continue.”
Thousands looked on as the birds made their flat-footed march along Lakeside Drive to their summer home in the Avon River.
Spectators were also treated to live music, games and complimentary swan hats.
If you had trouble getting your ducks in a row this year and missed the parade, don’t despair: next year marks the event’s 25th anniversary. Organizers say they expect the parade to be bigger than ever.
