The Gold Cup Parade occurs on the third Friday of August and demonstrates that when Charlottetown residents hold a party, everyone attends. renowned for being the greatest annual parade in Atlantic Canada. It is the centrepiece of Old Home Week on Prince Edward Island.
Granted, it’s a lot of fun for travellers, but for Islanders, the parade is a well-preserved piece of history that dates back to 1888. That year’s two-day event highlighted the labour of the island’s agricultural community. Today, thousands of visitors participate in the week’s activities alongside locals. Don’t miss the next day’s Gold Cup and Saucer Race if you decide to participate, in addition to observing a fantastic spectacle. It will be great fun!
The background of Gold Cup Parade
Old Home Week has been held since 1905, but the first Gold Cup Parade was held in 1962. Bill Hancox and Frank Acorn founded the event with the intention of reviving Old Home Week in Charlottetown. They desired to revitalise Prince Edward Island’s racing industry, which was losing popularity with spectators.
After these initial efforts to revitalise a local industry, the parade’s popularity grew rapidly. In 1986, the original group of enterprises that founded the Charlottetown Parade decided to become a non-profit organisation and adopted the name “Charlottetown Parade Committee.”
Each year, a large number of volunteers assist with the design and construction of floats, which are a major attraction and particularly popular with the tens of thousands of children who wave at them as they pass. The Gold Cup Parade has become an important event on the calendars of Charlottetown residents, and it’s also a major hit with tourists.
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GOLD CUP PARADE OPERATIONS
Attend the motorcade.
Visit Prince Edward Island in order to comprehend why this event is so popular. There is nothing more enjoyable than taking up the atmosphere and making memories with your loved ones. We’re certain you won’t regret participating in all the festivities.
Observe the horse competing.
It must be seen to be believed! This is probably not the type of horseracing you’re used to seeing on television. The equestrian is situated in a two-wheeled vehicle behind the horse. Visit and see it for yourself to discover why it’s such a huge deal in Canada.
Share your images.
Share your photographs and videos from the summer season. Tag them on Twitter @GoldCupParade and Instagram @goldcupparade.
5 Facts Concerning the Gold Cup Parade
On this day, schools and enterprises are closed, and the general populace enjoys a day off.
The Gold Cup Parade is the largest parade east of Montreal and the largest annual event in Atlantic Canada.
The Island Hymn is played annually as horses and riders pass by.
Two minutes before midnight, the horse and jockey wait for the starting signal and prepare for the Gold Cup and Saucer Race.
60,000 spectators attend the parade annually.
GOLD CUP PARADE DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | August 20 | Friday |
| 2022 | August 19 | Friday |
| 2023 | August 18 | Friday |
| 2024 | August 16 | Friday |
| 2025 | August 15 | Friday |
