With many donning red and white, residents celebrated Canada Day at various events throughout Chatham-Kent on Friday, with more festivities slated for this weekend.
With many donning red and white, residents celebrated Canada Day at various events throughout Chatham-Kent Friday while even more festivities are slated for this weekend.
This year was far different than the past two, which were both significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and public gathering restrictions.
While the weather held out for most of Friday, rain did threaten later in the afternoon.
Leesa Ervin, chair for the Wallaceburg event, said an in-person celebration was a long time coming for families, who were looking for something to do on the holiday.
“This was tremendously needed,” she said as the crowd began to gather outside the Kinsmen Community Centre.
Children helped kick off the event by joining in to sing O Canada. There was also a cake cutting and entertainment, as well as demonstrations and games, inside and outside.
Ervin added the committee wanted to rely more on fundraising rather than asking for donations, although they were accepted if people offered.
“Because of COVID, we didn’t want to ask for donations when people here are struggling,” she said. “We did craft sales. We did penny socials. We’ve raised all the money ourselves.”
Planning for the day started in January. Although it was on a somewhat smaller scale this time, Ervin is hopeful for a larger celebration in future years.
“It’s so nice to see the community coming out, even coming out to help us,” she said. “We try to make everything free.”
Canada Day events also took place in Tilbury on Thursday, as well as in Blenheim, Ridgetown, Erieau and Bothwell on Friday.
Chatham’s celebration is slated for Tecumseh Park on Saturday from 11 am to 11 pm
That party will feature live bands, beverage gardens, vendors, face-painting, axe-throwing and Captain Corbin the Magical Pirate.
The Wheatley Fish Fest will have activities throughout this weekend, with Saturday’s events starting at 10 am and entertainment running until 11 pm
For more information, search for the specific events on Facebook.