Swan Parade

Swan Parade. An annual event held on the first Sunday in April. Stratford's swan parade marks the return of the swans to the Avon River from their winter quarters behind the William Allman Arena. The time of the parade, which traditionally takes place in the first Sunday of April, is determined by the urgent need of the breeding pairs to begin establishing their territories and nesting site. The generous gift in 1918 of a pair of Mute swans from railway worker Mr. J.C. Garden, was the beginning of Stratford's herd. Other swans introduced over the years, including a pair donated to Canada from Queen Elizabeth II's royal herd in 1967, has ensured a diverse and healthy swan population. The Swan Parade is presented by The Stratford Civic Beautification and Environmental Awareness Committee., Care of the swans is provided by the City of Stratford's Community Services Department with the help of many citizen volunteers. The most notable of these was Robert J. Miller (1916 - 2007), whose expertise and devotion over 50 years earned him the title Honorary Keeper of the Swans, bestowed by the City of Stratford in 1984., This annual event was initiated in 1990 by Ted Blowes (1937-2013), a former mayor of Stratford and founder of the volunteer Civic Beautification and Environmental Awareness Committee Affectionately know as "Mr. Stratford", he was a tireless volunteer for many community organizations.