Main Street was transformed into a lively tapestry of colour and nostalgia this weekend as the much-anticipated Vintage Bicycle Parade pedalled through the heart of the neighbourhood. Locals and visitors alike gathered on sidewalks, drawn by the promise of a jubilant throwback to earlier eras of cycling. With sunlight glinting off chrome handlebars and polished bells, the parade's atmosphere was one of pure community celebration and creative spirit.
Cyclists participating in the parade fully embraced the event's vintage theme, donning attire reminiscent of bygone decades. Tweed jackets, billowing skirts, newsboy caps, and lace gloves were just some of the styles on display, echoing cycling fashion from the 1920s through the 1970s. “The creativity and effort people put into their outfits makes the experience feel like stepping back in time,” shared parade marshal Karen Dubois.
The bicycles themselves were as much a draw as the costumes. Riders arrived astride an astonishing array of restored and decorated bicycles, each with its own history. From classic Toronto-made CCM cruisers with gleaming whitewalls to rare European imports, the parade felt like a travelling open-air museum. Many bikes were painstakingly restored by their owners, some of whom spent months sourcing vintage parts from across Canada.
Spectators lining Main Street were treated to an impressive cavalcade of quirky customizations. Garlanded baskets overflowed with flowers while some bikes sported hand-painted wooden crates, leather saddle bags, or even whimsical touches like streamers and tinkling bells. “I saw a tandem bike with a sidecar for a dog, all decked out in matching bandanas,” remarked onlooker Jasmine Li, laughing.
Music played a vital part in setting the tone for the parade, with local musicians performing old jazz standards from a makeshift stage. Portable radios attached to bicycle frames supplied even more retro melodies, creating a joyous backdrop as the parade snaked through the neighbourhood. Children laughed and danced on the edges, encouraged by the rhythmic ringing of bicycle bells.
Parade organizers noted an enthusiastic turnout, estimating over 150 participants and twice as many spectators. “Every year the event grows, drawing not just cycling enthusiasts but anyone who appreciates a sense of community and history,” explained event coordinator Marcus Baird. He attributed this growth to effective promotion through community groups and social media, as well as a growing interest in both cycling and vintage culture.
Among the participants were several local cycling clubs, heritage societies, and even a group of students from the nearby high school’s environment club. Each group contributed their unique flair, whether through coordinated vintage uniforms or thematic decorations aligned with environmental awareness. “It’s important to educate the youth about the history and sustainability of cycling,” said teacher and club advisor Anne-Marie Lefebvre.
For many, the parade was an opportunity to share family stories and connections to cycling’s past. Attendee Jim Rinaldi showcased his grandfather’s 1938 roadster, now a family heirloom. “Every time I ride it, I feel a link to the generations before me who relied on their bikes for work, errands, and fun,” Rinaldi recounted. These shared histories added a layer of sentimentality to the festivities.
Local businesses along Main Street joined in the celebration, offering refreshments and vintage-themed specials to parade-goers. Cafés served up ‘retro’ lemonade and snacks, while bike shops displayed rare cycling memorabilia in their windows. Some stores even held raffles and fundraising activities, with proceeds benefiting community cycling infrastructure improvements.
The parade ended with a vibrant awards ceremony in the central park. Prizes were handed out for 'Best Restored Bicycle', 'Most Authentic Costume', and 'Crowd Favourite', among other categories. Winners were met with enthusiastic applause and smiles all around. As the sun began to set, participants posed for group photos, cherishing the memories made and friendships formed during the day’s revelry.
Organizers say plans are already underway for next year’s parade, aiming to involve even more community groups and expand the route. Many hope that the event will inspire newcomers to dust off long-forgotten bikes and join in the celebration of history, creativity, and cycling culture. As participant Susan Dale put it, “It’s not just about the bikes, but about bringing people together in the most joyful way.”