By Stephen Vance, Editor
Exams are over, school is out, and the warm weather has arrived – sort of. It’s time for summer to really begin, and what better way to kick off summer than with a huge Canada Day bash? And where better to have said bash than in the Municipality of Meaford?
I’ve lived in Meaford for a decade now, and in those ten years I have learned that Meafordites are engaged, proud community members, and while talents abound, Meafordites are extremely good at two things in particular – holding their councillors’ feet to the fire, and putting on a huge party, and this year’s Canada Day celebrations will once again prove Meaford’s party-planning abilities.
In recent years the number of activities and events on Canada Day have grown by leaps and bounds thanks in no small part to a coming together of all of the various clubs and organizations in the municipality who pool their ideas, resources, and volunteers, and work together along with the municipality to offer a cornucopia of celebration opportunities.
Sure we’ve got our problems in Meaford, what town doesn’t? When those issues are set aside, Meafordites tend to get into the community spirit, whether for the Scarecrow Invasion, the annual Christmas Window Unveiling, and perhaps especially for Canada’s birthday.
As has become tradition, the fun begins this year with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Military Family Resource Centre at Market Square. After loading up on pancakes and maple syrup, you can walk your breakfast off by taking in the BIA Sidewalk Yard Sale where Meaford residents are invited to bring their yard sale items to sell (there’s a $10 fee to reserve a space on the sidewalk) in a huge community yard sale.
After the yard sale you can head toward the harbour, and on the way stop and admire the dozens of vintage cars on display for the annual Golden Town Cruisers Car Show, and while you’re in the area, you can stop in to the Meaford Museum to take in Canadian-themed exhibits.
The flag ceremony takes place at 11 am, this year at the flag pole beside Meaford Hall. As usual, local dignitaries will be on hand, and of course there is the huge cake (because, you know, the pancakes will surely have worn off by then).
Market Square will be a busy place on July 1. Not only will it be the location of the pancake breakfast, but there will be dog tricks from 11 am to 4 pm. ‘Trick for Joe’ is the latest fundraiser for the Beautiful Joe Heritage Society, bring your pet, and have them do tricks for the camera.
There will also be a food and beer tent, an obstacle race organized by the Meaford Public Library, and of course there will be lots of music, and crafts.
If the large crowds aren’t your scene, head over to Bognor for a good old-fashioned rural party from 6:30 to 10:30 pm. The fun in Bognor will include live music, adult and kids games, log sawing, tug of war, horse race, bowling and more. There will also be a display of Walters Falls classic cars , a food booth, and complimentary Canada Day cake followed by a fantastic fireworks display at dusk.
The fireworks in town, sponsored once again by the Kinsmen Club, will take place at dusk at the waterfront.
I’m exhausted just thinking about all of the events planned for July 1.
However you celebrate Canada Day, enjoy, be safe, and take a moment away from the fun and games to reflect on how fortunate we are to live in this very special country. A quick jaunt through international news stories makes it very clear that we have it better here than many, many other places around the world.
Happy Canada Day from The Meaford Independent!
