WHO WILL BE THE NEXT FOOL OF THE YEAR?
COULD IT BE YOU?
VANCOUVER’S
24TH ANNUAL
FOOL’S DAY PARADE
SUNDAY, APRIL 04th
Gather at High Noon
Aquatic Centre, 1050 Beach Ave.
Under the BIG TREE
In Your Most Foolish Attire
24th Annual FOOL’S DAY PARADE
Sunday, April the 4th at High Noon
Meets at the Aquatic Centre (1050 Beach)
Under the Big Tree
A parade in honour of Fool’s Day, and the election of this year’s
King or Queen of Fools, to be crowned by public acclamation,
begins at High Noon on Sunday, April the 4th.
The 24th Annual Fool’s Day Parade – a spring fertility ritual and an
annual Vancouver tradition – is a homegrown display of absurd dress,
notions and behaviour, and the public is encouraged to join in the fun,
in or out of costume.
The parade, featuring floats, stiltwalkers, Human Beings In Silly Costumes,
and major hoopla, spotlights participants costumed as the nominated Fools
of the Year. Among this year’s nominees are Conrad Black, George W. Bush,
Gordon Campbell, Martha Stewart, and, sadly, Todd Bertuzzi. (2003’s
crown holder Mr. Campbell, now up for re-election, made no comment at press time.)
The nominations were made by a select board under the auspices of Vancouver’s
official Fools’ Day Committee. Competition for the Crown is fierce, as hopefuls
vie for dominance after grueling weeks of preparation for contests in hula hooping,
belly flopping, tongue twisting and pie throwing.
The Parade is the highlight of Vancouver’s annual “Foolishness Week”,
proclaimed by Mayor Larry Campbell for April 1st to the 8th (see documents
at www.fools-society.com).
During this holiday observance, mirth, havoc, and nonsense reign supreme
for one entire week. Given such broad ‘Foolish License’, authorities are
advised to be on guard as of April 1st, as the whipped cream has been known
to fly thick and fast.
Though the Committee is sworn to secrecy, foolish emissary Godfrey Daniels
gave a hint of revelations to come as he quipped, “we will spare no humiliation
to ensure that Vancouver stays in the international spotlight”.
Don’t forget, the Parade happens rain or shine on Sunday, April 4th
at Noon, so bring the family, with bells on! Participants may join in the
ceremonies and parade along the West End Seawall, led by members of
the beloved Carnival Band.