Rain keeps early crowds away on Canada Day

July 8, 2016 · 0 Comments

By Marni Walsh

Rainy skies kept the crowds away from the 4 p.m. opening ceremonies of Canada Day at Fiddle Park in Shelburne.

The wide open space of the park is really ideal for the fun events that the Canada Day Committee worked so hard to put together. However, the lack of shelter from wind and rain proved unattractive to families in the early hours of the July 1 festivities.

VIPs at the opening, included Mayor Ken Bennington, who said he wasn’t too worried about the rain.

“If you don’t like the weather, wait ten minutes,” he said.

Also on stage were Town of Shelburne CAO John Telfer, Reverend Gord Horsley, Canada Day Committee Chair Councillor Dan Sample and Dufferin-Caledon’s Member of Provincial Parliament Sylvia Jones.

John Telfer sent out appreciation to “MPP Sylvia Jones for attending and to our Federal Government for the Canada Day funding and the representative from David Tilson’s office who attended.”

Melissa Maodus represented Mr. Tilson who was recovering from knee surgery.

The Town would also like to “acknowledge Jamie Lee Higginson and her family who pitched in last minute to assist the committee with a stage problem,” he added.

“Thank you for your community spirit and willingness to help.”

The soggy start to the event that dampened more than spirits may be more evidence that the much anticipated pole barn planned for Fiddle Park, spearheaded by Greg and Heather Holmes, can’t come soon enough. According to the CAO, contractors are currently submitting bids for its construction.

Constable Jeff McLean was also on hand at the opening ceremonies, to present two free bicycles to the winners of the Shelburne Police Services’ bicycle safety draw.

The girl’s bike was won by Maddy Ralli and the boy’s bike by Liam VanPoelgest.

Entertainment at the event included five area bands arranged by Canada Day Committee member Kyle Fegan of Shelburne. The bands that took to the stage throughout the day included Shekinah Prais, a gospel band from Orangeville, Please and Thanks a band out of Barrie, Dufferin County Line from Orangeville, Troup Adore from Shelburne and Visual Negative also from Shelburne.

Also on stage July 1st were young performers from LP Stage Productions.

Other free activities included rides on the Giant Tiger Train, courtesy of Andrew Lewis owner of Giant Tiger; a bouncy Derby Express Race and Castle Maze sponsored by S. Burnett & Associates; a giant Bouncy Water Slide courtesy of Crewson Insurance; as well as Balloon Sculpting and Face Painting by Party Face.

The Beer Garden was open for adult enjoyment and soap bubbles blew from Bubbles Ice Cream stand where kids could buy a frosted treat. The Shelburne Kinettes were busy serving delicious burgers, hotdogs, fries, and more, throughout the event as crowd began to build for the grand finale of fireworks.

“[The Canada Day Committee] thanks those that braved the elements and attended the event on July 1,” said Mr. Telfer, who also expressed “thanks to all the performers who played during the day and to all the volunteers and Town staff who provided help with logistics all day.”

“Many thanks to the Shelburne and District Fire Department, the Kinsmen, the Kinettes, and the Canada Day organizing committee [and to] our corporate sponsors, Crewson Insurance and Stephen Burnett and Associates for their financial support towards the kids’ events.

“Although the weather was not on our side, we did hear a lot of positive feedback from the community. We hope to continue the new tradition at the Fiddle Park next year and hope for better weather. We look forward to 2017 and Canada’s 150th birthday with enthusiasm.”

Following the celebrations, Mayor Bennington sent out his thanks to everyone who made it possible.

“On behalf of Shelburne Town Council, I would like to thank the Canada Day Committee for their tireless efforts to host another wonderful Canada Day Celebration,” he said. “Even Mother Nature’s best efforts couldn’t dampen the community spirit as we celebrated Canada Day in Shelburne.

“I am grateful for the ambitious group of volunteers that make up the Canada Day committee, and I thank them for their efforts.”