It was all about celebrating birthdays and chants of "Alex for Mayor" on Saturday afternoon.
More than 80 people gathered at the North Bay Waterfront to express their continued frustration over COVID-19 related provincial lockdowns.
Controversial business owner Alex Stewart also attended and spoke to the crowd.
Her business, Stewart's Decorating on Regina Street has been under scrutiny for not following COVID-19 restrictions, and this week the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit ordered her to shut down.
Stewart has filed an appeal to a closure order issued by the North Bay Parry Sound Health Unit.
See related: Stewart's decorating owner vows to fight Health Unit action
When she finished her short speech thanking people for their support, she was greeted with an "Alex for Mayor" chant as she handed off the microphone to another speaker.
Organizers allowed anyone who wished to speak their mind to come up to the microphone and talk.
One speaker told the crowd about how the COVID-19 lockdowns are leading to a terrible drug addiction problem. The woman candidly admitted her niece recently passed away from an overdose.
At the end, organizers called for a birthday celebration and surprised the crowd by offering birthday cake as they sang "Happy Birthday Dear Free Person," for everyone attending who did not get a chance to celebrate with a birthday party and cake due to the restrictions.
Again, multiple police vehicles were lined up within the parking lot on Memorial Drive to monitor the large gathering of people who did respect social distancing during the peaceful event.
Only members of the media, who were criticized by some of the speakers, were wearing masks at the event.
See related: Three protesters charged after rallies on the waterfront
This is the fourth Freedom Rally that has been organized at the waterfront by the supporters. No word if any of the organizers were issued any tickets at the May 1 event.
