Canada Day is the national day of Canada, a federal statutory holiday celebrating the anniversary of the July 1, 1867, enactment of the British North America Act (today called the Constitution Act,1867),which united three colonies (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and the United Province of Canada) into a single country called Canada. Originally called Dominion Day, the holiday was renamed in 1982. BTW, this what I love about blogging-I'm learning all this neat stuff all the time!!
For all the Brits out there: the Maple Leaf has been the national emblem of Canada since the 1700's; the colours red and white are the Canadian flag colours and the beaver is the most well known animal symbol of Canada. Of course, we also have the moose, and here he is wearing the uniform of another proud Canadian institution, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police:
Most communities across the country host organized celebrations for Canada Day, usually outdoor public events, parades, carnivals, barbecues as well as citizenship ceremonies for new citizens. And Callander was no exception:
Callander celebrated it's Canada Day festivities on Saturday, which was just as well as we had warm weather. On the actual day, July 1st it poured with rain!!
Early in the morning, the municipality was setting up for the day's activities
I even did my bit!!! I'm talking about the flag -not the puddle!
Inside and out!
The day started with a Pancake Breakfast at the Firehall and then proceeded to the annual parade:
I had a great vantage point at the beginning of the parade!
Lots of floats decorated in red and white
Loved this elderly lady who was keeping up with the Firefighters float.
You go, girl!!
Live music!
Lots of vintage cars
And, of course, the Shriner clowns and miniature bikes:
The Shriners, an appendant body of the Freemasons, are best known for the Shriners Hospitals for Children that it administers and also for the red fezzes it's members wear. The headquarters are based in Tampa, Florida.It is a fraternity based on fun, fellowship and Masonic principles.
Most Shrine Temples support several parade units which are responsible for promoting a positive Shriner image to the public by participating in local parades. It's quite common to see the Shriner clowns, miniature cars and bikes, at local parades.
And, at the VERY end of the parade, this poor tanker driver! He had obviously taken a wrong turn and ended up on Main Street and at the very end of the parade. The side roads were all blocked off and he had no alternative but to join the parade. He took it all in good stride as we waved our flags madly at him and cheered him on!
Later on that day, down at the waterfront:
Lots of activities taking place
Later that evening:
A great way to end the day.
Of course, last but not least and only in Canada eh!
For my Brit friends:
Happy Canada Day!
Talk soon and sooner than later
Zoe
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