Attendance at Tillsonburg Canada Day events up

The Station Arts Centre’s pancake breakfast was a big hit with the line-up stretching around the corner at some points through the morning. (Jeff Helsdon photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Numbers were up at all locations for the town’s events on Canada Day.

The morning started with increased attendance at the Station Arts Centre for the annual pancake breakfast, with the line-up around the corner and going up Bidwell Street at some points. Almost 600 people were served in three hours, a number higher than last year.

“We had great weather this year, which may have played into our attendance, and our staff have also been working really hard to promote the Station and our events,” said Sarah Senior, chair of the Station Arts Centre’s board of directors.

She said the group also worked to keep the costs down to make it affordable for families.

“We’ve been kicking off Canada Day celebrations in the town for over 20 years - and want to make sure that we keep our prices affordable to continue this tradition. We have been supported by really generous local businesses, who have helped us reduce our costs through either food, service or cash donations for the event and that means the world to us.”

Senior gave credit to the volunteers for making the event occur.

“This whole event would not be possible without our incredible team of volunteers,” she said. “From Mayor Gilvesy and town councillors making pancakes, high school students helping set up the marquee and tents, to members of the Station whisking batter - we all come together to celebrate Canada Day and our community here in Tillsonburg. Many people have been doing it for years, it’s a tradition for the volunteers now too. It’s such a great way to kick off the day.”

As the pancake breakfast wound down, activities at Annandale House were ramping up. Attendance records were also broken, hitting 1,600 people. Attendees could play games on the lawn, take part in activities and or join the annual search for stuffed otters throughout Annandale House.

“There is a feeling of renewed interest in civic pride, local histories and Canadian cultural heritage,” said Kate Bakos, cultural heritage manager/curator. “Within our community, I feel there has always been an interest in supporting local and propping each other up, but it is so beautiful to see these invisible forces harmonize together in one great big event. It truly was a privilege to have so many people here at Annandale celebrating Canada Day and our shared local history.”

She gave credit to organizer Kathleen Watkin, cultural and heritage programs coordinator, and all staff for organizing the event and to the volunteers for pulling it off.

“We had 51 volunteers this year, and we cannot thank them enough for giving us their time, enthusiasm, and humour to help celebrate with the community,” Bakos said. “During the day, we even had a walk-on volunteer, who saw there was a need for help and they just started helping – what a blessing. In saying that, we can always use more volunteers.”

At the noon ceremony at the Cenotaph, numbers were also up, being estimated at close to 50.

“This was up from the previous year, and we think is probably due to the pride of Canadians,” said Legion President Tom Brown.

He noted that many people thanked veterans for their service.

The day ended with fireworks at Memorial Park. Firefighters assisted with crowd control during the event and believe the attend was down, but only slightly.