Bradford West Gwillimbury’s Canada Day celebration got off to a slow start. The heat and humidity kept many families hiding indoors during the early part of the evening, but by 7 p.m., the crowds came out to enjoy the inflatables and bouncy castles, live entertainment on the main stage, buskers, barbecues, and fundraising sales of butter tarts and cold drinks.
“It’s a great day, a great Canada Day, in the greatest country in the world,” said MP for York Simcoe Peter Van Loan.
Visitors were invited to write down what they liked best about Canada in coloured chalk on a blackboard. Free health care, poutine, diversity – the answers quickly filled every available space.
Kobbler Jay juggled fire, dancers with Elite Dance Corps braved the heat, and Tragically Hip tribute band Little Bones added a perfect Canadian musical note to the evening as people sang and danced along.
And by the time the fireworks lit up the night sky over Bradford, thousands had filled the park at the Bradford Community Centre to wish Canada a Happy 151st birthday.
