Happy birthday Canada!

Daeson and Brielle enjoy a piece of cake while showing their Canada Day spirit at the waterfront Friday.

The weather gods smiled on North Bay as thousands of people packed the waterfront to celebrate Canada’s 144th birthday.

Once again the Association of Canadian Travellers hosted the opening ceremonies with the singing of O’Canada while the Best Western delivered a birthday cake second to none.

After sampling the birthday cake folks wondered over to the Kid Zone for some fun, games and face painting. Folks also stopped by the 5th annual Multicultural Showcase that featured performances highlighting the diversity of North Bay through music, song, and dance at the bandshell, and some folks were happy just to take a dip in Lake Nipissing.

The evening wrapped up with the Fireworks Finale.

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"O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!

From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee."

A note from Heritage Canada: "O Canada" was proclaimed Canada's national anthem on July 1, 1980, 100 years after it was first sung on June 24, 1880. The music was composed by Calixa Lavallée, a well-known composer; French lyrics to accompany the music were written by Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier. The song gained steadily in popularity. Many English versions have appeared over the years. The version on which the official English lyrics are based was written in 1908 by Mr. Justice Robert Stanley Weir. The official English version includes changes recommended in 1968 by a Special Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Commons. The French lyrics remain unaltered.

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