Beach Mirror <\/p>\n
Theres no place for politics of any kind in the local Easter parade. <\/p>\n
This year, the 48th annual parades organizer, the Toronto Beaches Lions Club, has decided politicians elected or running for office will not be welcome to take part in the popular Easter Sunday (April 20) event, which is set to begin at 2 p.m. sharp and run westward along Queen Street East from Munro Park to Woodbine avenues. <\/p>\n
Were just taking politics out of our parade, said Parade Director Keith Begley Tuesday afternoon. <\/p>\n
Were not accepting any applications (from politicians). <\/p>\n
Begley, a past-president of the Toronto Beaches Lions Club, said hes never been a big advocate of politicians being in the parade and said he feels it takes away from what the event is all about: children and families celebrating Easter. <\/p>\n
Further, Begley said the decision to not include politicians in this years festivities is not directed at any specific official or candidate. <\/p>\n
Theres not any particular politician behind this decision, none in particular, he said, noting whether or not to include politicians in the parade is a hot topic the organizing committee discusses and debates every year. <\/p>\n
In the past, elected officials have been given courtesy invitations to take part, however, those running for public office have never been welcome to participate. <\/p>\n
Weve never allowed any of the candidates in our parade, said Begley, adding the Toronto Beaches Lions Easter Parade is made possible thanks to the hard work of a small team of volunteers who just dont have the time or manpower to supervise politicians participating in the parade, which this year is expected to draw 50,000 people. <\/p>\n
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Toronto Beaches Lions Club eggs-cluding politicians from Easter Parade<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Beach Mirror Theres no place for politics of any kind in the local Easter parade. This year, the 48th annual parades organizer, the Toronto Beaches Lions Club, has decided politicians elected or running for office will not be welcome to take part in the popular Easter Sunday (April 20) event, which is set to begin at 2 p.m. sharp and run westward along Queen Street East from Munro Park to Woodbine avenues. Continue reading