The summer sun made a welcome appearance for Canada Day in the Lakeland last Tuesday. Area residents came out in great numbers to wave their flags, take in the variety of activities, and celebrate Canada.
A massive crowd—maybe the biggest ever—gathered along Kinosoo Beach in Cold Lake to welcome the arrival of the annual parade, and the party continued all afternoon and into the evening.
At the opening ceremony, a CF-18 Hornet fighter jet roared overhead to kick off the day’s festivities.
The opening ceremony in Bonnyville was a bit more subdued, with a flag party leading dignitaries to the grounds of Bonnyville Museum. Brief greetings and well-wishes were the order of the day before the party got going across the street at the Bonnyville Centennial Centre.
Bonnyville’s impressive Canada Day parade rolled down Main Street in the afternoon.
St. Paul Recreation Centre had a carnival atmosphere with a classic car show, booths and displays, fun activities and food trucks outside; while inside a vendor fair, petting zoo, snacks, crafts, and entertainment kept the fun going.
All three communities had live music during the evening, followed by fireworks.
Elk Point made it a two-day festival with activities and fireworks Monday evening leading up to Tuesday’s celebrations. A pancake breakfast, parade, and other activities and entertainment were on the card for Canada Day.
Cold Lake’s evening party was marred by two incidents of violence including a bear spray attack and a stabbing. Both happened within approximately 10 minutes, and appear not to be random attacks.
