Thousands of people lined State Street for Lockport’s Canal Days parade, where dozens of local nonprofits, businesses and youth groups marched, rode and performed on floats and in marching units.

The parade’s emcees welcomed the crowd: “This is Darren Deskin along with Ron Liff at the … Old Canal Days Parade,” an on‑site announcer said. The pair pointed out grand marshal Jane Gardner, who the announcer identified as representing the White Oak Library and as “Miss Jane to everyone.”

The event mixed family activities, civic groups and business promotion. Parade entries included scouting units, Lockport Boys Baseball teams, the Lockport High School Marching Porters and junior Porters, local dance studios and cheer squads, the Lockport Moose Lodge, the Lockport Rotary and dozens of small businesses and nonprofits that used the parade to promote summer programs and services.

Organizers and emcees drew attention to recent downtown investment during the broadcast. An on‑air commentator described a newly completed mixed‑use building nearby as “a brand new eight‑million‑dollar building” with 36 apartments and two retail spaces on the ground floor, and noted that one of the retail tenants will be the Give Something Back Foundation, founded by Lockport native Bob Carr.

Local service groups and charities were prominent in the procession. Gift of Hope (organ donation advocacy) and Canines for Veterans (which rescues dogs and trains service animals for veterans and first responders) marched or were represented, and the Lockport Moose, Rotary and other civic clubs used the parade to promote fundraisers and community programs. The Lockport Chamber of Commerce and a number of long‑running family businesses — including auto shops and dealerships that have operated in the area for decades — also participated.

Youth and volunteerism were constant themes. Several marching bands, majorette teams and dance troupes performed; one organizer noted a majorette ensemble that competes regionally and travels to multiple states. Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts marched and ran booths. Emcees encouraged visitors to check schedules at local web pages and noted evening concerts and carnival rides that continue into the night.

Grand marshal Jane Gardner and other community honorees were introduced from a float near the center of the route. Announcers and participants repeatedly thanked volunteers — from tree‑service crews who helped with cemetery maintenance to local non‑profits that stage summer events — for sustaining Lockport’s summer festival tradition.

The parade finished with large agricultural and equestrian entries, including Cedar Stables, which brings horses to the route for families and youth groups. Announcers reminded listeners of weekend activities and encouraged visitors to patronize local food vendors, carnival attractions and beer gardens. “Go down, buy some food,” one emcee urged; “there are a lot of good food vendors down there.”

The day’s broadcast combined civic promotion with community storytelling: organizations used the parade to highlight new storefronts, long‑running businesses, volunteer programs and upcoming events including a July festival and a Canal Days raffle whose proceeds fund school‑age programs and local charities.

Taper: Parade organizers encouraged attendees to check official Lockport Canal Days information for schedules and raffle details, and reminded families to use the plentiful parking and evening entertainment options along State Street.