Debate Days Parade brings Lincoln, Douglas, and giant balloon to downtown Ottawa

Debate Days Parade brings Lincoln, Douglas, and giant balloon to downtown Ottawa

Ottawa kicked off its inaugural Debate Days event with a parade down La Salle Street on Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026, featuring a towering 35-foot Abraham Lincoln inflatable balloon, costumed reenactors, and a welcome sign at the historic Roxy Theater. The parade highlighted the city's connection to the famous 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates, with impersonators of both candidates squaring off on a float as it made its way through downtown. The event draw…