Plenty to see and do

The ever-popular street dance puts a smile on everyone’s face.

Prepping for Canada Day in Wellington

It had been a long and hard-fought debate over much of the year before, but on July 1, 1965, a new flag at last flew over Canada. Fifty years later this is the flag most Canadians have ever known. We wear the red maple leaf proudly—to honour sacrifice, courage and freedom. We wear it overseas to signal that we are not Americans.

This Canada Day we celebrate 50 years of our flag. Ceremonies in Wellington will feature stories from military men in our community about the significance of the flag in their lives and the service of this nation.

The County is also celebrating the birth of John A Macdonald 200 years ago—specifically with the unveiling of a sculpture of the nation’s founder as a young man in the County. To help honour that occasion a bronze bust of Macdonald will serve as ceremonial marshal in the Wellington Canada Day parade.

But before that all happens, Main Street will be closed on Tuesday night, June 30 for the traditional street dance. For the 15^th year, Eddy and the Sting Rays will provide the music for an evening of dancing and listening pleasure. Over at the Legion barbecue chicken is being served.

Later on the focus shifts to the beach where the best fireworks in 100 kilometres will amaze and wow young and old alike. Donations are greatly appreciated. Presented by local firefighters the fireworks are a truly magnificent show—but public contributions have waned in recent years putting its future in some peril.

After the parade on Canada Day and before official ceremonies kick off, the community is encouraged to gather to celebrate the opening of the gazebo in Wellington Park. A majority of the funds, materials and labour were donated to the project. The Wellington Lions took on the effort to raise the money, so Lion’s president Art Hewer will recognize the individuals and groups that help to rebuild the gazebo destroyed in a wind storm in 2013.

In the park, there will be a variety of displays and an array of food. In the gazebo, Canada Day emcee Brenda Little is promising a blockbuster afternoon of music and entertainment featuring Sean Creamer, Chris Loan and special guests. The gazebo will feature a variety of music styles to suit a wide range of tastes—with a new act every 15 minutes.

Betty Cronk proudly waves her Canadian flag.

At St. Andrews church, there is lunch on the lawn, while across the street the United Church is hosting their annual Strawberry Social.

Over at the school, the Kid’s Zone will feature fun, games and entertainment aimed at a younger audience. Headlining the Kids’ Zone stage is Juno-nominated performer Jake Differ. There is also a bike decorating contest with Canada’s flag expected to take a prominent role. Judging will take place at the ball diamonds before the parade.

The Canada Day committee and the Wellington Rec Committee are asking the community to be especially generous with their money and time this year. Federal funding has been cut and the cost of running the best-Canada-ever keep rising. She worries that Canada Day Eve events are most at risk as the federal government won’t fund activities not technically on Canada Day.

“We are asking participants to dig deep this year to ensure Canada day in Wellington remains a spectacular celebration of patriotism,” said Little.