Canadian's are known for their resilience, which was evident Saturday when, despite the wet weather, a record number of people took part in the Municipality of Callander's annual Funfest and Canada Day celebrations.
The day began with an early morning pancake breakfast. Children and adults formed a long line-up inside the Community Centre. Near the end, the kitchen ran out of some food, making do with what they had left. Lynne Lavigne who helped organize the breakfast, says the turnout is always hard to predict. Once the final tally is in, she expects volunteers will have served close to 400 meals.
“It’s amazing, the amount of people we have here today. I think our reputation precedes us,” she laughed. "I ordered an extra case of everything from last year, and we’re through all that right now.”
Carl Beaudry enjoyed starting off Canada 150 celebrations having breakfast, surrounded by family and friends.
“I think it’s great community wise. We walked here this morning so we took the umbrellas out and it’s just a nice way to start the day on Canada Day. The entire community is out here and we’re celebrating with our neighbours,” said Beaudry.
Andrew Houston’s family moved to the area less than a year ago. It was important for them to share in the celebrations.
“It’s just a good little town and we wanted to support the community. We just moved up to the area, Trout Creek actually, last October, so we’re looking forward to the parade, fireworks, just a little bit of everything,” said Houston.
This years parade was also a record setter, with close to 50 clubs and organizations showcasing Canada's past and present. Lucien Masson has been parade marshal for over 35 years.
"It has evolved into a big family affair. We've had people who started out as children, now bringing their children," said Masson. "All the participants this year were asked to deck themselves out in what they think makes Canada what it is. It's a very good group that adds a lot of character to our Canada Day celebrations.
The heavy rain stopped long enough to squeeze in the 45-minute parade. Some highlights included the Callander Legion drum and pipe band, young hockey players and gymnasts, Shriners riding mini bikes, vintage cars and trucks, farm equipment dating back 100 years, and children riding their decorated bikes.
The banner carriers leading the parade are now second generation, with the torch passed just this year. Thirteen-year-old Caitlin Noon took over the reins from mom Sherry.
"It was fun because a bunch of my family has done it. It's cool," said Noon.
Noon's 13-year-old cousin Brandon Mills was also part of the group of youngsters selected to carry the banner.
"I was happy and proud that they chose us to do it, so even if we're young, we can still be a part of this. I'm proud of our country and our community," said Mills.
Cecile Farmer has been actively involved with the Callander Legion for 15 years. She along with fellow Legion members proudly walked in the parade, recognizing the importance of this year being Canada's 150th.
"I'm very, very proud today," said Farmer. "It's a wonderful day for all of us.to be Canadian."
Three generations of Jennifer Parkin's family gathered to watch the parade.
"It's wonderful. I love the floats and the kids. It's such a sense of tradition, and a sense of community, it's great. Everybody always comes together," said Parkin.
Mayor Hector Lavigne estimates close to one thousand people from across the district, lined the route.
"It does get bigger and better every year. It just works out that way because people appreciate the hometown feel of Callander and what it really represents. It's truly a family event and we're glad to see everybody out."
However, in the end, the rain won out, forcing vendors, artisans and entertainers to tear down early.
It also meant canceling Saturday night's fireworks display. It has since been rescheduled for Sunday night at around 9:30, depending on the weather. Updates will be provided on the municipalities face book page.
