Written By David Gomez
MOUNT BRYDGES – Hundreds of residents lined the streets of Mount Brydges on Canada Day as the Del-Ko-Brydge celebration returned with a full day of community activities, highlighted by a colourful parade showcasing the people, organizations and traditions that have helped make the event a regional fixture for more than four decades.
Emergency vehicles from the Strathroy-Caradoc Fire Department and Strathroy-Caradoc Police led the parade before giving way to a wide variety of entries, including community clubs, vintage automobiles, antique tractors, local businesses, racing teams, dance groups and creative family-built floats.
The parade also featured several local dignitaries, including Lambton-Kent-Middlesex MPP Steve Pinsonneault, Middlesex-London MP Lianne Rood, Strathroy-Caradoc Mayor Colin Grantham and Deputy Mayor Mike McGuire, who waved to residents while making their way through the community.
Volunteer organizations played a prominent role as well. Members of the Delaware Lioness Club marched in the parade, while the Middlesex Centre Archives promoted local history throughout the day at the Caradoc Community Centre.
Young participants, community groups and local organizations added to the family-friendly atmosphere, with many handing out treats and waving Canadian flags to children gathered along the route.
The Del-Ko-Brydge Canada Day celebration, jointly organized by volunteers from Delaware, Komoka-Kilworth and Mount Brydges, once again demonstrated how collaboration between neighbouring communities continues to draw residents together in a shared celebration of Canada Day and local community spirit.
