Earlier in the week, the weather forecast didn't look too promising for the Canada Day Parade in Airdrie.  

It just goes to prove, you should never trust a weatherman.  The 2018 edition of the parade went off under a sunny sky and almost perfect temperatures for the thousands who were on hand.

The parade did not disappoint too many, despite the fact it was the first parade where handing out candy and other promotional material wasn't allowed because of safety concerns.

Everyone we talked to following the parade thought it was great.

"I thought it was awesome." gushed one woman.  "Well planned, great parade."

It was the first parade for one newcomer to Airdrie, who moved here from Vernon in December. He was pleasantly surprised by the parade.  "My first year in Airdrie and I think it was actually quite spectacular.  I didn't think there were going to be as many floats as there are."

We found another visitor from Vancouver who was also impressed by the parade.  "I think it was great.  It's very diverse.  Lots of different aspects in there which is very interesting.  I like the old school cars, you get like different age groups, different ethnicities.  Very awesome."

Where you stood on the "no candy" issue seemed to depend on the numbers on your birth certificate.  The adults thought it was great while the kids weren't quite so sure.

One adult said, "I think that's a good thing so the kids don't run out on the street."  When we asked another if he noted the missing candy he said, "Maybe for the kids.  Not so much for the adults.  It was nice when I was a kid, I know that.  For sure it's missed."

One young lady summed up the kids' thoughts on not receiving any candy when she said, "I love candy, yes.  Candy would have been great."