Canton Parade Marks Brees Enshrinement with Decades of Tradition
As fans gather to celebrate Drew Brees’ induction, long-standing local customs and cross-country travel highlight the enduring appeal of the Enshrinement Festival.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Grand Parade proceeded along Cleveland Avenue in Canton on 8 August, serving as the centrepiece of the annual Enshrinement Festival. Presented by Certified Angus Beef, the procession featured approximately 100 units, including floats, marching bands, and prominent figures from the sport. The event, widely regarded as the largest free activity of the festival, drew thousands of spectators to the downtown route.
Central to the day’s proceedings was the enshrinement of Drew Brees, the former New Orleans Saints quarterback who concluded a 20-year career in 2020. Brees is best known for leading the Saints to victory in Super Bowl XLIV in 2010. The occasion prompted significant travel for dedicated supporters, including Stephen Burch and his son Noah, who drove more than five hours from Syracuse, New York, for the father’s first visit to the Hall of Fame.
Stephen Burch, a business owner and former New Orleans resident, noted that his allegiance to the Saints was cemented by the 2010 championship win. The pair planned to tour the Hall of Fame on 9 August before returning to New York, fulfilling a long-standing personal goal for the elder Burch.
Local traditions remained a focal point for residents, with balloon handlers maintaining a specific routine established over decades. Maria Vaughn, a medical education worker from Canton Township, participated in the parade for the sixth year, managing a large pink octopus balloon. Vaughn estimated that handlers spin the balloon approximately 50 times during the route, a practice that draws chants from the crowd.
The event also reinforced generational ties within the community. Donna Mertes, 85, attended with four generations of her family, noting she has likely participated in every Grand Parade since the tradition began in 1963. She recalled how her late husband would secure prime viewing spots in the early hours of the morning, a ritual she continues to honour.
Food customs also played a role in the morning’s festivities, with doughnuts serving as a staple for attendees. Tammi Toth, 66, shared a dozen doughnuts with her family along the route, describing the event as potentially the “biggest doughnut day” in the area. Toth, who previously worked at a Dunkin’ outlet near the Hall of Fame, highlighted the historical significance of the treat in local parade culture.
