Annual Canada Day breakfast brings friends and neighbours together near Avonton

Friends and neighbours gather for the annual Canada Day breakfast hosted by Alex and Verna Strathdee at their farm near Avonton. Pictured, from left, are Dave Standeaven, Bob McIntosh, Dana Standeaven, Lenore Mountain, David Mountain, Denise Gibson, Mike Dunn, Narissa Connolly, Mary McIntosh, Hollie Wouters, Alex Gibson, Sue Lindsay, Eva McKay, Kathy Blake, Jim Tyler, John Blake, Mike Lindsay, Ron McKay, Sharon Baker, Paul Quinn, Jim Ross, Pat Froud, Marnie Ready, Bob Doupe, Mary Ross, Elton Baker, Marion Jackson Tyler, John McIntosh, Darlene Doupe, Bob Ready, Brenda West, Bob Wood, Elaine Standeaven, Barb Coffey, Laurel McIntosh, Bob Sparling, Verna Strathdee, John Froud and Alex Strathdee.

By Gary West

For many years, friends and neighbours have gathered at the farm of Alex and Verna Strathdee near Avonton to celebrate Canada Day with good food, great company and plenty of Canadian pride.

The annual mid-morning breakfast has become a cherished tradition, drawing a large crowd to the picturesque Downie Township farm each July 1.

Guests arrived with lawn chairs in hand and enjoyed the hospitality beneath the property’s mature shade trees, which offered welcome relief from this year’s hot and humid weather.

Fortunately, the powerful windstorm and rain that swept across much of southwestern Ontario later that afternoon held off until after the breakfast had concluded, allowing everyone to enjoy the annual gathering uninterrupted.

Before the meal begins, local singer-songwriter John McIntosh led the crowd in a spirited rendition of “O’ Canada,” a tradition that has become a highlight of the event.

Many attendees proudly wore red and white as they celebrated Canada’s birthday and reflected on the freedoms and opportunities they enjoy while living in Canada.

The annual breakfast continues to bring together generations of family members, neighbours and friends in a celebration of community and national pride.