I’m having a presentation on popular culture and I’m thinking of writing on the parade cup in pei, can you give me a history of it, why this event and the significance on the island?My email is [email protected]

Hello Edward,

Thank you for your question to Ask an Islander.

I am honoured to be answering this question because my family has a close connection to the Gold Cup and Saucer.

My great-uncle Willian "Bill" Nicholson won the Gold Cup and Saucer in 1974. I was 5 years old at the time, I still recall when my great-uncle was introduced to people, it always began with the introduction of, "This is Bill Nicholson, the winner of the 1974 Gold Cup and Saucer." It was a title of respect and honour. If you won the Gold Cup and Saucer, you were right up there with the titles such as doctor, royalty and a government elected official.

Old Home Week started in 1888 as a 2-day event. It has an amazing history as an agricultural exhibition. It held interest through the First World War, the Depression and many other events. It became so popular, it literally outgrew where the displays and barns held events. Even in times of economic troubles, the Provincial Exhibition was popular with the farming community.

Our harness industry dates back to 1886! An Island tradition running deep with stories of races on the Island red dirt roads. Very popular, winter racing on the frozen rivers. I remember family stories of my grandfather racing on the river and the wager was for local stock. He would come home with chickens, goats and once even a cow!

There are many families on the Island who would have a connection to the harness racing or a family story about attending the Gold Cup and Saucer events.

As with many popular events, it grew too large and became an effort for those organizing it, to keep up with the growing demand and event. Eventually attendance dropped off and in 1960, a group headed by Frank Acorn and Bill Hancox successfully worked to revive Old Home Week and introduce PEI Harness Racing to Islanders and visitors. Two years later the Gold Cup and Saucer Parade was introduced. This is the largest parade east of Montreal.

Many people do not realize, there are more horses per capita in PEI then anywhere else in North America. Horses, farming, traditions run deep on Prince Edward Island.

Popular culture is all about having a story or a connection to what you love.

Have fun and love what you are writing about.

Enjoy! 

Erin Davis