Everyone loves a parade, and the Cathedral Village Arts Festival will be bringing it today.

Festival chair Marilyn Turnley and organizers are really looking forward to it.

“It truly will be a sign of spring, a sign of once again our community togetherness,” said Turnley. The parade was scheduled to go at 11:15 Monday from Holy Rosary Park and follow 13th Avenue down to Elphinstone to Les Sherman Park.

Then, Les Sherman Park will have a picnic from 12-4 p.m. with hot dogs for sale.

“Having the parade kick us off and bring people together of all ages and stages is pure magic,” she said.

As this is the first in-person festival since 2019, Turnley said they planned everything with safety in mind.

“We did talk to Agribition, who has been doing live events,” she said. “We’ve been in contact with the (Regina) Folk Festival, we’ve been talking to the city. We’re following anything through Sask Health Authority. We’ve been very very mindful throughout our process.”

An electronic art project called ᑌᐸᑯᐦ (pronounced seven) will be going on all week at the Westminster United Church. An exhibition of seven Indigenous artist women, presented in conjunction with the CVAF and the Orgnization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils and Melanie Monique Rose will share their stories.

“On the Saturday when 13th Avenue between Elphinstone and Albert Street is closed down, we will have the artist of the exhibition available outside their exhibit for a meet and greet,” said Turnley.

The parade kicks off the weeklong festival in the Cathedral Village and area, wrapping up with Saturday’s Street Fair. The fair runs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, with products and services from over 200 artists, crafters and Cathedral businesses.

Proof of vaccination will be required in some venues. For more information, check the festival website.