For many, the plump red-breasted robin pecking away in their backyard signals the definite arrival of spring. Here in Washington DC we have the transient and beautiful cherry blossoms to usher in the season of revival after the mild winter. I say mild because of the long, cold winters I spent in Ontario. Well, this year we have had February in March and March in April in Virginia as far as the weather goes! Even as I write this, it is chilly and windy outside with the temperature in single digits, after a spell of warm weather that had begun to settle in.

My memories take me back to an unseasonably cold day at the Swan Parade, a part of the Shakespeare Festival in Stratford, Ontario, around this time of the year. I miss the enthusiasm I had felt attending a rather outlandish but merry event. It is said that for the residents of Stratford spring doesn’t arrive until a bevy of fluffy feathered swans and geese herald in the new season in a parade along the banks of the scenic Avon river.

As residents of the neighboring town of Guelph, my husband and I decided to brave the cold weather and drive up to the city more famous for its Shakespeare theater and music festival to witness this unusual event. Huddled inside layers of warm clothing under an overcast Canadian April sky, we could not sense any signs of spring except for the all-too-familiar Google doodle. We were thankful to have arrived sufficiently early and managed to find free parking and walked to the area where a crowd had begun to assemble.

To our pleasant surprise there was a huge turnout despite the blustery weather. Children jumped with excitement and anticipation to get a glimpse of the birds and we could see many people had arrived early to catch a spot on the riverside. Volunteers distributing flyers cautioned the crowds to wait until the swans are in the water before offering nibbles (swans love grains and leafy greens, bread is not easily digestible).

The important thing to remember: “Dogs and swans don’t mix”. We learned that the lengthening daylight hours trigger a hormonal response in the swans and they need to get back out onto the river to establish their territories after spending months in their winter quarters.

The fanfare kicked off as the Stratford Police Pipes and Drums appeared around the corner forming an honor guard for the parade.

A lone black swan emerged from behind as if leading a pack, but must’ve felt intimidated by the crowd for it made a run for the river as toddlers shrieked in delight. This one didn’t definitely want to do the 15-minute waddle back to its natural habitat.

Tagging along at the rear, two dozen swans made their flat-footed march all the way from the William Allman Arena to the Avon River along the route lined with hundreds of onlookers.

It looked as though the city’s beloved long-necked beauties were marching in tune with the band, adding to the amusement of this quirky parade. The crowd followed, cheering and clapping as they led the feathered contingent into their final descent into the chilly waters of the Avon. At the end of the path, the graceful birds glided into the water, opened their wings and swam away to the far end of the river.

On a warmer day we’d have lingered to take a stroll alongside the silvery white waters of the Avon and take in the picturesque downtown. But it was too cold and windy to stay.

Yet spring had arrived!

The festivities of Swan Parade Weekend are extended to include guided swan walks, carriage rides, street performers, and decorated topiary swans throughout the downtown area. The parade usually happens on the first Sunday of April. It’s a good idea to arrive early for free parking along Lakeside Drive in Stratford.