It was a massive party on Friday as thousands enjoyed rides, food and fun events as Brantford’s annual Canada Day party returned to an in-person celebration.
From the entertainers in the wrestling ring to the lineups at the food trucks and midway rides, everything was busy and bright with participants wearing Canada-themed hats and T-shirts at the Steve Brown Sports Complex at Lions Park.
“I always come home for Canada Day,” said Stephanie Girard, a teacher from Windsor, whose parents live in Brantford.
“The kids love this family tradition and it’s a great day.”
Girard was decked out in an “Eh” shirt and flags in his hair.
“There’s a lot fewer Canadian flags flying this year,” she said. “In Windsor, we had one of the biggest blockades so if you wear a Canadian flag you’re kind of associated with the trucker convoy.
“But I’m doing it because I’m a proud Canadian.”
Girard said that, despite some of the “murky history” of the country, Canadians need to admit their mistakes, learn from them and move on.
“I spend a lot of time talking to my students about some of the things that happened here. We have to own up to what’s been done but it doesn’t mean we should be ashamed of who we are.”
People lined up for midway rides, pony rides and food.
There was also a steady stream of people waiting to take photos at a giant Canadian flag, which provided a perfect backdrop for pictures, including one of tiny seven-week-old Deliliah Cromwell-Andrews celebrating her first Canada Day in the arms of her dad , Zack Andrews.
Occasional sprinkles of rain did nothing to deter the parties.
The Jim Cuddy Band was to headline the event with an evening performance, part of the main stage musical entertainment presented by Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. Other performances included The Elvis Concert starring Pete Paquette, Freedom Train and The Box.
The party was to be capped with a fireworks show at dusk.
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