The population of the hamlet of Newton Robinson, just north of Bond Head on County Rd. 27, is about 100.
And that is just how many people were expected to attend the Newton Robinson Canada Day celebration, held at the home of Tyler and Jacquie Philp.
Not that every single person in the community came out to the combination potluck dinner, rib fest and fireworks display.
“We did it as a Newton Robinson function, but then we invited family and friends,” said Tyler Philp, the unofficial ‘Mayor of Newton.’
The hamlet has its own mayor and council — not in political protest against the elected Bradford West Gwillimbury town council, but as a means of organizing community events.
Residents of Newton Robinson come together for Halloween parties, harvest festivals, a Christmas tree lighting, Canada Day — creating a sense of place and connection.
Among those attending was BWG Coun. Peter Ferragine, accompanied by his family, bringing greetings from the Town of BWG.
While children played in the large yard, their parents placed their potluck contributions in the main tent, picked up a cold drink, and watched the “ribbers,” including Colin Dekkema, self-described “defending champ and future champ,” at work.
Later, there would be sampling, and the awarding of the Golden Piggie to the top ribber.
There were daytime fireworks for the children too young to stay awake until dusk, when the main display illuminated the night sky — celebrating Canada’s 151st birthday in a hamlet that predates Confederation by decades.
