A dragon float, lion and dragon dancers, and a great drum at the head of the parade — a landmark day for Montreal's Chinese community.
Drummer on the dragon float beside a large ceremonial drum and a lion head · Photographs and video: Angela Chan & Jonathan Chan.
Leading from Section B
On July 1, 2016, Montreal's Chinese community marched in Section B of the Canada Day Parade, leading the procession through downtown Montréal — an honour for the community and a high point in decades of participation.
More than 680 participants
More than 680 proud Chinese Canadians from many cultural associations and schools joined the contingent, organized by Jimmy Chan with the support of the MCCUC and coordinator Lin Guo.
On the dragon drum
Jimmy Chan rode the dragon float as Dragon Master on the big drum, drumming alongside Sifu Glen Woo, who led the community contingent with him. Jimmy was also invited onto the VIP stage with Dr. Shao, president of the MCCUC, community leaders and the mayor of Montréal.
Many hands
Volunteers decorated the dragon float. Lion dancers Matthew Chan, Mackenzie Chan, Tommy Woo, Danny Wu and Franky Yuen performed alongside the Free Maison Lion Dance team, Kin Yiu and his Feng Huang Wushu team, Wayne Out and the dragon dancers. Wok Café sponsored food for participants, and Xian Hu of the 7days Chinese community newspaper covered the event.
From Jimmy Chan's message, July 2016
“We had the honour of being in section B leading the Parade. It was awesome! The weather was perfect!”
“The feeling was amazing and I was proud to have my family cheer us on along with thousands of people to celebrate who we are as proud Canadians, as we have made this beautiful land our home!”
