Annual Erindale Little League parade takes over streets in Mississauga

As summer draws to a close, the annual Erindale Lions Little League parade once again brings the community together, celebrating the season’s end with a cherished tradition that reflects local pride and camaraderie.

Residents of Erindale in Mississauga were greeted with more than just sunshine this morning as a parade of vehicles decorated with colourful balloons, streamers and signs made its way through the neighbourhood.

Each truck and van in the parade was uniquely themed after the league’s current teams, like the Yankees, Red Sox and Blue Jays, which also happen to be the names of real Major League Baseball teams in the U.S. and Canada.

Kids and adults, dressed in team-themed costumes and waving flags, were spotted riding in the back of vehicles, while Peel Regional Police cruisers led the procession.

Staff from INsauga.com spoke with John Abella, who shared that the parade tradition dates back well before his time with the league, as he is in his second year on the board and first as president.

“The league started in 1965, and next year will be our 60th anniversary,” Abella said.

Preparations for the parade began as early as 8 a.m., with parents renting trucks and trailers or using their own vans. “We do award trophies for the best float,” Abella said.

The event also featured championship games for all ages within the league, from junior T-ball to major levels.

“These are the house league championship games,” Abella noted, adding that the playoffs began the previous week and concluded with the finals on parade day.

Following the parade, baseball games were held at Springfield Park, located at 3325 The Credit Woodlands in Mississauga.

The day also included a ceremony, various activities, food for the kids and even a beer tent for the adults.

The league is the only of its kind in Mississauga, hosting teams across various age groups.

“We’re the only little league in Mississauga that accepts kids from all over the city, offering them a chance to be part of a team and potentially advance to the Little League World Series,” Abella said.

The league aims to grow from 245 to 300 participants next season with registration now open for the upcoming season.

Annual Erindale Lions Little League parade marking the end of the season making its way through the neighbourhood this morning. ⚾️ pic.twitter.com/f31Q8Nl2SU

— Ryan Rocca (@ryan_rocca) August 24, 2024

—With files from Ryan Rocca.