O'Canada Day

Kids enjoying the Dance Camp activity as part to the Canada Day Celebrations at the waterfront this afternoon.









The O’Canada Day celebrations may have been hampered today by clouds and very strong winds, but the weather didn’t keep people from turning out to celebrate Canada’s Birthday.

In its current format for the second year, moving away from the traditional parade along Main Street, event organizers say the number in attendance is sure sign the event is a success.

“This is a fabulous turnout, and the response has been very positive,” said Melinda Fry event organizer.

“This is a great example of partnering for the committee, as we have partnered with Roterac, Greening Nipissing and Kidsport. The celebration is the umbrella with smaller events hosted by different organizations going on all around the grounds.”

Fry pointed out that the parade was always and enjoyable event but only lasted for about an hour and then the celebrations were over.

“But now we have activities for about 4 hours or better at the waterfront and most are free of charge, or require a small donation like a dollar.”

With the winds being as strong as they have been all day Fry cannot confirm at this point if the fireworks will be a go tonight.

“Canada Day is always a gamble when it comes to the weather, I know in the past it has been windy during the day and it has died down in the evening, and we will go if at all possible.”

Fry has her fingers crossed that everyone will be able to enjoy ending a great day on a high note by watching a great fireworks display, but in the event that they are cancelled the announcement will be made via the media and during the 8:30 PM presentation of the Movie in the Park ‘Shrek’.

“I will put a call in at 9pm and should know if it’s a go at that time.”

All is not lost said Fry as the committee has a ‘Rain Out’ clause if the fireworks are cancelled.

“In that event, we would see the money returned to the committee and it would go back into the funds, where we will have double the fireworks next year.”