Nelson’s annual grad cavalcade will not go ahead next year after the Nelson Police Department withdrew its support for the event.
In an email sent to graduating families obtained by Vista Radio, L.V. Rogers Secondary principal Ian Cooper said the decision followed several serious concerns raised after the 2026 cavalcade.
“I understand that this is a big change. I also know that it is a tradition that many families look forward to celebrating with their grads,” wrote Cooper.
“Following last year’s cavalcade, and through conversations with the Nelson Police Department and other community partners, several serious concerns were identified.”
Cooper cited several examples from the 2026 event, including reports of graduates openly consuming alcohol in public, with some adults allegedly providing alcohol to students and graduates sharing it with one another.
He also said officers attempting to enforce the law faced booing, verbal abuse and disrespectful language.
“The circumstances surrounding cavalcade have placed officers in an increasingly difficult position, particularly when it comes to balancing public safety with the expectations of those attending,” Cooper said.
The event also raised concerns about garbage, broken glass in parking lots and damage to the community spaces used by graduates.
“We heard several reports from other community partners about garbage, broken glass in parking lots, and general disregard for the spaces that were donated for use by the grads.”
Cooper said these issues are not new and have persisted over several years, despite efforts by parent volunteers and school staff to address them.
He acknowledges the cancellation represents a significant change to a longstanding tradition that many Nelson families look forward to.
“Again, I fully understand the shift in traditions that this represents. I look forward to working with the grads and their families to create new ways to celebrate this important milestone,” added Cooper.
Vista Radio has reached out to the Nelson Police Department and LV Rogers Secondary for further comment.
LVR’s grad cavalcade has been a longstanding Nelson tradition for at least a decade, with records showing the event taking place as far back as 2016.
Be the first to know! Don’t miss out on breaking news and daily updates in your area. Sign up to MyNelsonNowNews Alerts.
