The streets of Alliston, Canada came alive this weekend as the annual Alliston Potato Festival Parade rolled through town—an event that has been a beloved community celebration for more than half a century. Among the vibrant floats, marching bands, and local organizations, one group made a particularly meaningful debut: the ISKCON Bhakti Yoga Circle (BYC). The initiative is an ISKCON-driven pilot program to promote outreach (officially registered as ISKCON Angus) inspired by the teachings and community-minded spirit of ISKCON’s Founder-Acharya, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
Founded in 1972, the Alliston Potato Festival has long celebrated the region’s agricultural roots—especially its reputation for producing some of Ontario’s best potatoes. Over the decades, the festival has expanded into a major summer event that draws up to 30,000 people and features live entertainment, vendors, family activities, and its signature parade. For many residents, the parade is the highlight of the weekend, showcasing the agriculture industry and creativity of local groups.
This year marked the BYC’s first-ever participation in the parade. Members danced behind a pick-up truck, offering joyful chants, warm smiles, and friendly greetings to spectators. Their presence added a unique spiritual and cultural dimension to the festivities.
The group’s decision to join the parade was driven by a desire to increase their outreach within the local community. As a small devotional group looking to grow, they saw the parade as an opportunity to connect with residents who may not yet be familiar with Bhakti yoga or its practices. “We want people to see that devotion is vibrant, joyful, and meant to be shared,” said Marsha Nievas, Co-Founder of BYC. “Being part of a community celebration helps us build relationships and spread positivity.”
Read more: https://iskconnews.org/iskcon-bhakti-yoga-circle-joins-the-alliston-potato-festival-parade/
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