Grab your parasol, bonnet and picnic basket.
The second annual Regency costume parade at the St. Albert Botanic Park is back with all the formality and grace of Jane Austen’s England.
St. Albert’s Janine BrĂ©mault Bamford, a passionate history buff of Britain’s Regency period, organized the Pride & Prejudice Summer Promenade. This year it’s back by popular demand on Sunday, Aug. 21.
“In a way, it ends up being like a flash mob,” chuckles BrĂ©mault Bamford.
People decked out in their finest gowns and tailcoats meet at St. Albert’s Legion Memorial Baseball Park clubhouse at 1:30 p.m. Once everyone has arrived, the costumed parade makes its way to St. Albert Botanic Park along the Sturgeon River walkway.
“People can bring a basket of food and we’ll settle at the park for a picnic. If it’s raining, we’ll gather at the clubhouse and have tea,” BrĂ©mault Bamford explains.
The Regency period cultivated under George IV produced an elegant esthetic seldom surpassed. Ladies were attired in high empire-waisted dresses, dainty flat shoes, bonnets and parasols. Gentlemen donned coattails, ruffled shirts and breeches.
“Wearing costumes is optional. I want it to be accessible to all. If people have Regency clothes, they’re encouraged to wear them. Or they can wear summer garden party outfits.”
Last year nearly 25 people attended. This year more than 30 people have already signed at the Pride & Prejudice Summer Promenade Eventbrite page.
Participation is free, however, interested parties must register at eventbrite.ca.
“One of the things I enjoy the most is gathering together as a community.”
