What started out as a grey and gloomy morning, took a brighter turn part way through Parksville's Canada Day parade.
Hundreds of people lined the streets, cheering on participants in the parade, which started at Pioneer Crescent and continued along the Island Highway.
There were pipe bands, dancers, gymnasts, hockey players, dogs, horses and many more taking part in the celebration.
One of the highlights was Flyin' Phil St. Luke with his drum, as parade-goers chanted his name.
The parade lasted close to two hours, ending at the Parksville Community and Conference Centre.
After that, the crowds moved to Community Park to enjoy a day full of musical performances and activities.
Columbia Beach resident Chrissy Greig and her family said they attend Parksville's Canada Day celebrations every year. "It's not as busy as it usually is," Greig said, adding that the rainy morning probably stopped some people from coming out and enjoying the day.
For Marleen Vickary, who had travelled from Estevan, Sask., this was her first time attending Parksville's celebration. She said she visited Victoria for Canada Day last year, and she figured this year she would visit Parksville with some friends.
At the end of the day, the crowds at the park settled down to watch the Thrifty Foods Fireworks Spectacular in Parksville Bay.
* See more pjhotos from the event in Tuesday edition of The NEWS (page A5) and on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/PQBNews
— NEWS Staff