By Jacey Conway, Federation of Calgary Communities. 

Summer doesn’t officially start for the community of Braeside until the annual ‘Kick Off to Summer’ parade happens. 

Once the weather is warm enough, the community of Braeside, led by parade founders Kim Price and Kim Edwards, rally together to put on their “community famous” parade and celebratory BBQ. 

“Participants and those who come out of their homes love the feeling of community,” says Edwards. 

Both Edwards and Price are delighted to plan, organize and take part in the parade each year. They are able to use it as an opportunity to encourage community involvement, from all Braeside kids and families. Every year community members show initiative and creativity and make the parade more enjoyable for everyone involved. 

Kim Price (left) and Kim Edwards (right) enjoy the Braeside parade on June 8th, 2019.

Although, this year marked the 13th annual ‘Kick Off to Summer’ parade celebrated by the community, Braeside parades date all the way back to the 60’s. Community association members,  Bill Murphy and Ron Olsen came together with a few others in 1967 and decided to put on the fun and engaging summer parade. 

“There were no restrictions and everyone was welcome to be in it,” says Murphy.

As a father of three children, two of which were of the bike riding age, Murphy helped them decorate their bikes so they could in the parade. Word spread fast and soon the parade was filled with children from all over the community, riding their beautifully decorated bikes.  

Although the community loved the parade and the association got nothing but positive feedback, the event didn’t last more than a few years. 

An archive photo shows children riding their decorated bikes during the Braeside parade.

Years later in 2007, neighbours, Price and Edwards were attending a volunteer appreciation dinner for the Braeside Community Association when they saw a home movie showcasing the old Braeside parades. 

“I looked at her [Price] and said, ‘we can totally do that,’” Edwards says. 

The two ladies worked hard to plan and put on the parade and it was a huge success. They incorporated a few key notes when planning the parade throughout the years, including keeping it open to anyone who wished to be a part of it and involving as much of the community as possible. Each year, they would switch up the route to encourage all Braeside residents to be involved and to use the parade as a tool to allow kids to become familiar with the streets in their community. 

“It’s a great way to meet neighbors and a great way to learn about other streets – not just the one you live on,” says Edwards. 

Rhyden Thompson dressed up and participated in the parade with his friends and family.

Edwards, who is originally from a small town, had a vision for the parade to be a place for residents to get involved and build relationships among neighbours. Rather than focusing on recognition or “kudos” for putting on such a great event, both Price and Edwards want to put the attention away from themselves and on to the community. 

“You need to build this type of event because the community wants it,” Edwards says. 

Edwards and Price are excited to continue planning the parade and would love to one day join in with another close community. 

“What a great way for communities to build the spirit together,” says Price. 

The Braeside Kick Off to Summer Parade on June 8th, 2019.