Celebrating Canada Day in Tillsonburg
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Thousands of individuals, families and children took in the sights and sounds of Canada Day in Tillsonburg on Monday.
The annual holiday marked Canada’s 146th birthday with celebrations in communities across the country.
Here in Tillsonburg, local residents and visitors had plenty of activities to enjoy this Canada Day including a pancake breakfast and games for the kids at the Station Arts Centre, an open house and a fun fair at Annandale National Historic Site, a ceremony at the Cenotaph in downtown Tillsonburg and a variety of music during the annual Festival of Music at Memorial Park.
One of several acts performing in this year’s Festival of Music Monday evening was Jean St. Pierre, better known as ‘StomPierre, Tribute to Stompin Tom’.
“I’ve known his music since 1991. It’s a hobby, but it’s a hobby I really like,” said St. Pierre. “It’s my job to make sure no one ever forgets about his legacy and his music.”
In addition to enjoying the day, Canada’s birthday is also a time of reflection for many Canadians – not just to remember Canadian heroes and icons who have helped shape Canada into what it is today, but also a time to be thankful for the life we have in this country.
One of those Canadians is Jacqueline Bailey.
“We have a lot of freedom and a lot of benefits that a lot of other countries don’t have, so we should be very proud to be Canadian,” said Bailey.
Barrie Harper said he too is proud of Canada and what it stands for.
“I think it’s the best country in the world to live in – I’m very proud to be a Canadian,” he said.
Joyce Sandham brought her children out to Annandale National Historic Site to participate in activities and games as well as enjoy some Canada Day cake and other treats.
“We’re here to take part in the games and have some fun,” she said noting what it means to be a Canadian to her and her family.
“We feel very fortunate to live here – we know we have freedom and safety and we have a lot of things here that a lot of countries don’t have,” Sandham added. “Canada Day is always an exciting event at our house. We look forward to it every year.”
Tillsonburg Mayor John Lessif was out and about Monday celebrating Canada Day with patrons and residents at several venues and said he was pleased with the turnout at this year’s event.
“This morning we had the pancake breakfast over at the Station Arts Centre and it was well attended, about 800 to 900 people showed up,” said Lessif. “It was a great social time for our community and that I think is a reflection on the quality of life we have in Canada and particularly in our community of Tillsonburg.”
Downtown at the cenotaph this afternoon, Lessif noted the importance of Canadians recognizing and appreciating what a great country Canada is.
“We’re blessed in Canada to have what we have. We’re known all over the world as being one of the best countries to live in,” he said.
“The Legion ceremony is a reminder of the democracy that we have in our country and the men and women that fought over the years to protect that and make that sacrifice and that continues on today with our Armed Forces,” Lessif added. “We should never forget those men and women that stepped forward to protect our democracy and fight for the kind of life that we have in Canada.”