Stephen Vance, Editor
School has let out for summer, sandals and shorts have replaced the winter woolies (finally), the outdoor food vendors are into full swing, it must be time to celebrate another Canada Day.
I can’t think of a better place to celebrate our fine nation than right here in Meaford. Sure, I’m biased, but with the festivities that have taken place in years past at our beautiful harbour and downtown area, Bognor, Leith, and neighbourhoods and hamlets in between, this municipality simply knows how to put on a fantastic Canada Day party.
Having lived in Meaford for more than a decade now, Canada Day has become one of my favourite community celebrations. Each year as I take in the colourful displays, the sounds of laughter, and the long list of things to do over the Canada Day weekend throughout the municipality I am reminded how our friends and neighbours in this community are some of the most involved and engaged people you could ever meet.
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 off your breakfast 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 noon 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, it will host a variety of activities from circus workshops to Canada Day crafts with the Meaford Public Library.
There will also be a food and beer tent, and of course music will fill the air throughout the day.
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 (or to Leith on June 30 at 6 pm). The Bognor festivities include music and games for young and old followed by a fantastic fireworks display at dusk.
The fireworks in town, sponsored once again this year 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 (have you been following the election craziness south of our border?!) 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!
