Applications now open!
About the Parade
- The parade is a rain-or-shine event
- There is no cost to enter your float!
- Floats are judged in the following categories: Commercial, School, and Overall best float.
- Starts at 12:30 p.m., with road closures beginning at 11:30 a.m.
- Floats can be set up on the Blue Line Road starting at 9:30 am.
- Floats must stay as close to the float or vehicle in front as is safely possible at all times.
- Do not stop along the route unless there is an emergency.
- No one is allowed to jump on or off floats, vehicles etc., during the parade.
- Floats CAN NOT toss candy or any other items. Walkers are welcome to distribute items directly to the crowd.
- At the end of the parade, please do NOT stop until you have reached Blue Line Road to allow others behind you to continue.
- Due to safety and insurance reasons, we will no longer allow large animals to be in our parade.
Meet the Waterford Lions Pumpkinfest Parade Marshall
INTRODUCING OUR 2026 WATERFORD LIONS PUMPKINFEST PARADE MARSHAL – JESSICA M. DURKA! 
We are incredibly proud to announce that Jessica M. Durka will be our Parade Marshal for the 2026 Waterford Lions Pumpkinfest Parade!
Jessica is someone who truly embodies what community is all about. Her dedication to giving back, supporting others and making a difference in the lives of those around her is something we are so proud to recognize.
Jessica is an Investment Advisor and Partner of the Neil & Durka Wealth Advisory Group within BMO Private Wealth and has been an incredible advocate for healthcare and cancer support throughout our region.
Her community involvement includes:
* Vice Chair of the Board, Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation
* Chair of the Fundraising Committee, Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation
* Member of the Finance and Audit Committee, Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation
* Co-Founder of South Coast Community Caring for Cancer
* Founder of the JCC Pumpkin Patch, which raised over $250,000 for the Juravinski Cancer Centre!
The pumpkin-growing tradition of giving back continues through Austin’s Pumpkin Patch, carrying on that legacy and continuing to raise funds in support of the Juravinski Cancer Centre.
In 2022, Jessica was also recognized as Citizen of the Year by the Simcoe & District Chamber of Commerce, a wonderful acknowledgement of her commitment to our community.
As Lions, we know just how much heart, dedication and volunteerism go into making a difference. Jessica has demonstrated all of that and more, and we couldn’t be happier to have her leading this year’s parade!
COME OUT AND HELP US CELEBRATE!
Waterford Lions Pumpkinfest Parade
Saturday, October 17, 2026
12:30 PM
Downtown Waterford – travelling down Main Street and back up St. James Street.
Line the streets, bring the family and help us give Jessica a big Pumpkinfest welcome!
Congratulations, Jessica, and thank you for everything you continue to do for our community. We are honoured to have you as our 2026 Parade Marshal!
Questions?
Please contact parade@pumpkinfest.com.