It was a treat being able to take in the Canada Day celebrations last weekend.
Having spent the last 15 years in the Stampede City to the south, rodeo always dominated the July long weekend. There were Canada Day celebrations, but they were overshadowed by the buckin’ broncs.
Here it was just the opposite. Canada Day was the main attraction Sunday and, with picture perfect weather, Prince George residents came out in droves.
Organizers for the all-day event in Fort George Park estimate that about 15,000 people took in the fun, that’s up from previous years.
It was certainly packed at the park and there was plenty to see and do. The performances in Kiwanis Bowl were absolutely spectacular and the food … oh, the food.
It’s a great idea to celebrate Canada Day with a showcase of food from other parts of the world. One of the things we are proud of in this country is the fact that we welcome people from other parts of the world. They can live here without losing, or forgetting their roots. Giving the city a taste, literally, of other cultures is wonderful.
It may be a little tough on the system, but, hey, it tastes great.
The fireworks provided a spectacular finish to the day. We here at the Free Press are proud to have played a part in presenting this year’s Canada Day fireworks. It’s good to see the fireworks back. They make the day.
Moving the fireworks up to Exhibition Park was another good move. I’ve heard all kinds of horror stories about trying to get out of Fort George Park after the fireworks in previous years.
Staging them at Exhibition Park meant lots of access and that means an easy exit.
University Way was jammed with vehicles as a lot of people (myself included) figured that a bit of elevation would provide a great vantage point to watch the fireworks. And it was. With the city lights in the background, the fireworks were absolutely fantastic.
There were lots of ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ were I was and there was even one proclamation of ‘sweet,’ which, for you older folks, is hip talk for ‘ooh’ or ‘aah.’
Canada turned 140 years old on Sunday and we threw an appropriate bash. Kudos to all the organizers and participants of the Canada Day celebrations. It was a job well done.