Activities abound locally on Canada Day

By Jeff Helsdon

Editor

Canada Day promises to be a busy one for those looking for a way to celebrate our country’s heritage.

As always, the day will begin with the pancake breakfast at the Station Arts Centre, running from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. A tradition for more than two decades, Bridge Street is closed in front of the Station Arts Centre, where picnic tables and a cooking area are set up, likely for what is the largest breakfast in town of the year.

“The whole point of our Canada Day breakfast is to offer this wonderful experience and event at a low cost for the community,” said Tabitha Verbuyst, executive director with the Station Arts Centre.

Breakfast ranges from $4 to $9 for pancakes, sausage, coffee and tea. Proceeds from the event go back to the Station Arts Centre to purchase supplies for its summer camp.

Verbuyst gave credit to the community for supporting the event, mentioning TA Thompson hooking up temporary electrical for the grills to Christina and Mike Gazley of Tim Hortons for donating coffee and tea and Nectar’s owners donating time to assist with pre-cooking. The BIA is also providing a free bouncy castle at the event.

Although Nectar’s professional chefs are providing assistance doesn’t mean that the amateur ‘celebrity chefs’ won’t be on hand. Mayor Deb Gilvesy and council will be joined by Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman and Oxford MP Arpan Khanna to flip pancakes for the morning.

The Legion will host a ceremony at the cenotaph at noon, with cake to follow. And speaking of birthday cake, there will also be a cake cutting at 10 a.m. at the Station Arts Centre.

After things wind down at the Station Arts Centre, activities will switch to Annandale House from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A carnival will provide an opportunity for a variety of games, including the popular giant games, a creative corner for youth, and complimentary treats such as cake, cotton candy, snow cones, and popcorn. Inside Annandale House, there will be a “Guess the Jelly Beans” challenge and “Find the Otters” scavenger hunt throughout the house.

The Lake Lisgar Water Park will offer free swimming from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., sponsored by Schep’s Bakery.

Mayor Deb Gilvesy, speaking on behalf of council, encouraged people to attend local events.

“ This is a time to celebrate the values that unite us—diversity, freedom, and a deep love for our country,” she said. “I encourage you to come out to our local festivities, connect with neighbours, and let your red and white shine proudly. Let’s make this Canada Day one to remember with great community spirit, fun, and togetherness. I look forward to seeing you there!”

The day will end with a big bang and fireworks at dusk in Memorial Park.

Canada Day parade in Otterville

Looking for a parade on Canada Day, but don’t want to travel to see the big one in Port Dover? Otterville has the solution.

Town crier and local resident Brenda Bozso will gather the crowd on Main Street for the 1 p.m. float/bike parade with a special guest appearance by the Shriner’s Mocha Love Bugs as well as the Norwich Society Musical Band

The celebration continues at the Otterville Park with children’s activities sponsored by the Otterville Optimist Club that include bouncy castles, face painting and cub car races. Other activities are a free swim in the pool, a pie-baking contest/auction, Norwich Merchants beer garden with local musicians playing and a classic car show, baseball game and fireworks.

Local vendors will ensure that no one goes hungry and include JPs BBQ, the South Norwich Historical Society's Chicken BBQ (advanced tickets required: 519-879-6622), as well as a snack booth and popcorn.

“A group of dedicated community volunteers have been busy planning a fun-filled day and free events with a focus on family, youth and senior engagement,” said Loralee Heemskerk, Canada Day Committee Chair.