Hot, steamy Canada Day as summer heat arrives

Story and photos by Sharon Harrison
It was a parade, it was a party, it was a happy time and it was fun, and there was lots of red and white to be seen, including countless Canada flags, of all sizes.

It was also a very warm Canada Day in Wellington with little lake effect breeze to cool things off, in the stifling heat that only seemed to get more intense as the afternoon went on.

Having said that, it was still a very cool Canada Day from the size of the crowds, the Canada Day spirit, the joyful parade participants, and everyone who made it a happy 159th birthday for Canada.

A joy to watch, the parade was long, colourful, musical and enjoyable, and included many of the usual participants, where congratulations and appreciation must go out to the many who walked the long route from the arena, the length of Main Street, looping all the way back to the arena. It’s a long walk any day of the week, but adding in the heat and sunshine with no shade, it could not have been an easy undertaking on such a hot day.

Among those not really dressed for the summer heat were the Napanee and District Caledonian Pipe Band members who put on an enthusiastic and spectacular performance, much to the delight of the crowd who just as enthusiastically applauded their tremendous efforts.

It was especially delightful to have them pause awhile for a static demonstration, before resuming the parade route, but not before a refreshing water break before they continued on.

Parade participants also included the Wellington Rescue and Canadian Coast Guard Auxiliary, service clubs, community associations, sports groups and local business representation, as well as Prince Edward Fire and Rescue.

The day also brought two flybys courtesy of the Royal Canadian Air Force from CFB Trenton to mark Canada Day. The first, occurring just before the parade began, a CH-146 Griffon utility tactical-transport helicopter, which, in its working role, supports the tactical transportation of troops.

Later, during the parade, a CC-130J Hercules came in low over Wellington a couple of times, the giant aircraft a tactical airlifter is used for a wide range of missions, including troop transport, tactical airlift, search and rescue and aircrew training.

Mayor Steve Ferguson was spotted along the parade route, along with councillors John Hirsch and Chris Braney, but also Bay of Quinte MP Chris Malette, and Bay of Quinte MPP Tyler Allsopp – also prospective mayoral candidate Ernie Margetson.

Whether it was the strawberry social at the United Church, a yard sale at the Anglican Church, a book sale at the library, or the Wellington Community Market, there was much going on.

Along with music at the market all morning, music in the gazebo by Heartlight continued into the early afternoon, along with kids’ games and activities and many food vendors.

And things did go off with a big bang in the park with the firing of a very loud canon which momentarily filled the air with smoke, which delighted the gathered crowd, which had been warned to expect a very loud noise and to cover delicate ears. There were, however, no actual cannon balls involved.

The demonstration was part of an 1812 artillery crew re-enactment, who also were not attired appropriately for the heat, wearing full uniforms of the time, made of wool, it was noted.

And lastly, but by no means least, the parade participant who rarely ever misses a parade, it is always a pleasure to see the Cherry Valley Fraser family members travelling in their equally fine automobile.