Happy Canada Day!
Today, Orillia celebrated the nation's 157th birthday at Couchiching Beach Park.
“It’s a perfect day. The Sunshine City has come through with sunshine and the amount of people I’ve seen so far here is awesome!” said Coun. David Campbell.
The popular event, which was moved back to Couchiching Beach Park after a hiatus at Tudhope Park due to waterfront construction, started out with the signature pancake breakfast which saw hundreds show up to eat some delicious pancakes and sausages, with drinks being offered by Tim Hortons.
After breakfast, the popular 'Wheelie Great' parade took place. Bicyclists of all ages could be seen with bikes bedecked in Canada flags and other red and white decorations that drew a lot of attention as they paraded around the Terry Fox Circle.
After the bike parade, spectators made their way to shady areas to find the perfect spot to watch the main parade that started at City Hall on Andrew Street and made its way through the streets of Orillia and down to the park.
“It was great to be in the parade and this year it was a very strong parade after a couple of Canada Day celebrations without a parade,” said Adam Chambers, Simcoe North MP.
On top of the signature events, there was also a midway, kids’ village, food vendors, local acts performing at the Rotary Aqua Theatre, a shopping area, and much more for people to take part in.
"It’s a great day and it's great to see everyone out,” said Coun. Jeff Czetwerzuk during opening remarks.
But the sweetest event of the day was the cake cutting ceremony. Afterwards everyone could grab a piece of the delicious red and white cake and enjoy the sweet treat.
“We are so grateful to Mariposa Market for donating over $3,000 worth of cake for everyone to enjoy,” said Brian Hare, chair of Orillia Canada Day Committee, the group of volunteers who worked tirelessly over the past several months to ensure the event's success.
During his opening speech, Hare noted Canada Day could not happen without its hard-working volunteers.
“We are so grateful to all the volunteers who are here today, but we are also grateful to the volunteers who work behind-the-scenes and across Canada for us, even as far as out west where are social media coordinator is located," said Hare.
He also encouraged patrons to purchase a button or multiple buttons to help financially support the event.
“People don’t realize that we don’t get support from any government, and that we raise all funds ourselves," said Hare.
"For example, tonight, we have fireworks worth over $15,000 and most of that money came from last year’s button sales, so if you want to keep seeing awesome firework displays, please purchase buttons.”
The fireworks show is planned to launch starting around 9:45 p.m.
A note for firework spectators, parts of Couchiching Beach park itself will be closed due to safety reasons. The best viewing spots are by the Rotary Aqua Theatre, Port of Orillia building, or along the boardwalk that is not in the closed-off section.
