With Canada Day falling on a Monday this year, organizers of Sarnia’s annual celebration weren’t sure what kind of an impact that would have on the size of the crowd.
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“Mondays are always a bit iffy, because you’re not sure if people are going away for the weekend,” Becky Wellington, chairperson of the city’s Canada Day committee, said while standing in Canatara Park surrounded by people clad in red and white. “But this is great.”
Officials estimate between 20,000 and 30,000 people will come out for the event and that’s what was expected again for this year’s version, which started at 11 a.m. in Canatara before shifting to Centennial Park around 5 p.m.
The weather during the first couple of hours, which featured various entertainment options in the Canatara Park field and the arrival of the parade, was sunny and warm.
“Can’t be any better,” said Wellington, a Sarnia resident. “It’s perfect.”
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The field featured on-stage entertainment, inflatables, face painting, air-brush tattoos, an interactive art mural, hula hoops, a handmade market, and concessions featuring multicultural food vendors, according to the city’s website.
“Everybody’s really excited about the ethnic food booths,” Wellington said.
Adam Cousins and his daughter Olive, 7, both had Canadian flags draped around their necks as they watched juggler Kobbler Jay perform on the stage. They came from Bright’s Grove to take part in the festivities.
“There’s a whole group of us,” he said.
When the party shifted to Centennial Park, live music and buskers were scheduled to entertain the crowds leading up to the fireworks at 10 p.m.
“There’s a lot of different things,” Wellington said.
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