Rain or shine, Tay Township celebrated its Canadian heritage all the time at this year’s Canada Day festivities at Oakwood Community Park in Victoria Harbour.
The celebration started with local vendors and artisans, where visitors could get their faces painted to show off their Canadian spirit at the parade. They were encouraged to grab Canadian flags and cheer on the bagpipe marching band followed by 26 entries of floats, bikes, lawn tractors and more.
“I am Victoria Harbour proud,” said Sharelle Mcarthur, Canada Day committee member and sponsor of Zoo to You. “I love seeing the community come together. The best way to be Canadian is to be active in your community.”
After the parade, people lined up to visit the exotic petting zoo brought by Zoo to You, where families got a chance to pet Thomas the turtle and Peter the rabbit as well as interact and learn about different kinds of reptiles. Afterward, they could do a Polaroid photo shoot and get a free caricature done to bring home.
“I love getting the kids out and showing them Canada Day in Tay,” said local resident Mike Lachapelle, who attended with daughter Winnie Pierce. “We loved watching the parade and the kids loved the face paint.”
A free barbecue lunch was provided by Wye Heritage Marina and served by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 523 Ladies Auxiliary, while the Canada Day committee offered raffle tickets and handed out awards and prizes.
The Kempencelts kicked off the afternoon with music, followed by Bustin’ Loose, Tyler French, and Fleetwood Mac Mania.