The singing of O Canada could be heard loud and clear along North Bay’s waterfront where people gathered Monday for Canada Day celebrations.
Most people made the effort to wear something red and white, Canada’s national colours.
Janet O’Connor has been celebrating Canada Day for the past 85 years.
“In recent years we’ve seen a lot of different faces from other countries, and that is a good thing. We need people,” said O’Connor.
“I came here today because I wanted to be with the people celebrating this special day. It is really nice to see them out enjoying it. To me Canada Day means democracy, doing what we want most of the time, and it is just a wonderful country to celebrate.”
Also, in the crowd enjoying the festivities was Ashraf Siddique, originally from Bangladesh, now living in Toronto.
He learned about North Bay from online sources and saw some videos about the city and decided that he and his family would stay and visit for the long weekend and take in the Canada Day festivities while they are here.
“We came to explore North Bay, and it is an amazing place,” grinned Siddique who says he is enjoying the Canadian people and culture in general.
“The people of Canada are peace loving. Most of the Canadian people I’ve found have great souls. They are really enjoying their life. It is very diverse here in Canada. We came from a different country, but I have found the Canadian people so warm and welcoming. I haven’t faced any difficulty blending myself into this community. I think this is absolutely a unique thing about Canada.”
Captain Canada, James Dekker, stood out in the crowd, dressed from head to toe in a red and white costume full of Canadian flags.
“I’ve been doing this for about 10 years now. I just love dressing up. It is my Christmas, my Halloween, my New Years, and my Canada Day all rolled into one,” laughed Dekker.
“To me Canada is about freedom and being inclusive. It is an amazing country. I am so proud to be Canadian."
His love of the holiday can also be traced back to his parents, Robert and Gladys who were married on Canada Day 41 years ago.
“It was so I could remember my anniversary. That’s the truth,” laughed Robert.
Instead of wearing red on his wedding day, Robert rocked a baby blue tuxedo with a black bow tie.
“We were married in Englehart. It was a beautiful hot day like today. I’ll never forget it,” he grinned.
Opening ceremonies were held at the ACT Shelter at Marathon Beach.
The celebration included a performance by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 23 North Bay, and well wishes from Nipissing-Timiskiming MP Anthony Rota, Nipissing MPP and Minister of Economic Development Vic Fedeli, and North Bay Mayor Al McDonald.
Every year a poster contest is held encouraging youngsters to share their thoughts on Canada Day related theme.
This year’s winners, Abby Morgan and Kayleigh Kightley each received a framed copy of their poster and a brand-new bike.
“The theme was “Your Canadian Traditions” so I did the four seasons because that is a big thing in Canada, and I do lots of things in every season,” said Morgan who just completed grade seven.
“I did a tree in each to show how they change, and just added sports and holidays. To me Canada Day means celebrating being free and having rights to do what you want.”
Kayleigh Kightley’s poster was a collage representing things she felt were truly Canadian.
“I drew pictures of poutine, hockey, Tim Horton's, maple syrup, beavers, Canadian Tire, pancakes, and some other things,” said Kightley who just completed grade five.
“It took about two or three weeks to do. I’m very proud because I didn’t know I was going to be able to create something like this.”
Instead of slicing a large Canada Day cake as has been the tradition, this year 700 cupcakes were individually decorated to form a large Canada flag.
“We decided to do cupcakes this year because there is a little bit less spoilage and a less cutlery, and a little less garbage,” explained Chef Maxime Corriveau from the Best Western.
“I spent 10 hours last night cooking them and decorating most of them and the team came in this morning to finish them off. In total it probably took about 12 hours from start to finish.”
The day continued with live music and fun at the kid zone, wrapping up with a fireworks display.
