The Gold Cup Parade Day is a significant annual event in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada, held during the province's Old Home Week celebrations. It is part of the broader festivities surrounding the Gold Cup and Saucer Race, one of PEI's most prestigious harness racing events.

Table of Contents

1. When is Gold Cup Parade Day?
2. The History of Gold Cup Parade Day?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. More about Prince Edward Island (PEI)

When is Gold Cup Parade Day?

Gold Cup Parade Day is traditionally observed on the third Friday in August in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island (PEI).

The following is the list of Gold Cup Parade Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Gold Cup Parade Day?

The Gold Cup Parade was first held in 1962 as part of the Old Home Week festivities, which date back to the late 1800s. Old Home Week was initially a week-long celebration of PEI's agricultural heritage but expanded over time to include broader cultural and community events.

The Gold Cup and Saucer Race, established in 1960, quickly became a prestigious harness racing event. The parade was introduced to enhance the excitement of Old Home Week and grew in popularity throughout the 1960s and 1970s, becoming a central feature of Old Home Week.

Over time, it expanded to include marching bands, performers and floats that celebrated not only PEI's culture but also broader Canadian themes.

Each year, the parade adopted new themes, encouraging participants to innovate with float designs and performances. Local organizations and businesses competed for prizes, further fueling the creativity of the event.

What Do People Do on This Day?

On Gold Cup Parade Day, residents of Prince Edward Island and visitors from across Canada gather to celebrate one of the most vibrant events of the summer. Held in Charlottetown during Old Home Week, the day is filled with activities, entertainment and community spirit. Many towns and cities host community festivals and parades that highlight local culture and history.

Gold Cup Parade is one of the largest in Atlantic Canada. Spectators line the streets early in the morning to secure good spots to view the colorful floats, marching bands, performers, and local mascots.

The parade provides a great opportunity to explore downtown Charlottetown and its surrounding attractions. Families and friends come together to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Local businesses and organizations often set up stalls or activities for spectators. Downtown businesses and restaurants often extend their hours and offer special deals to accommodate the crowds.

Many take advantage of the long weekend to enjoy outdoor activities like picnicking, hiking, or relaxing on the beach.

More about Prince Edward Island (PEI)

Prince Edward Island, often referred to as PEI, is the smallest province in Canada, both in terms of size and population. Despite its modest size, PEI is renowned for its scenic beauty and vibrant culture, making it one of Canada's most cherished destinations.

Prince Edward Island (PEI) is located on the east coast of Canada in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and it is part of the Maritime Provinces, along with Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. It is connected to the mainland by the Confederation Bridge, an engineering marvel spanning 12.9 kilometers.

The Mi'kmaq people are the original inhabitants of PEI, calling the island Epekwitk, meaning "cradle on the waves".

French settlers arrived in the early 1700s, naming the island Île Saint-Jean. In 1763, following the Treaty of Paris, the island was ceded to Britain and renamed St. John's Island. It was later renamed Prince Edward Island in 1798 to honor Prince Edward, Duke of Kent.

Prince Edward Island (PEI) joined Canadian Confederation on July 1, 1873, becoming the seventh province.

The population in PEI is approximately 170,000 residents, with Charlottetown as the capital and largest city.