Smiths Falls serves up memorable Canada Day
Posted Jul 9, 2009 By Ryland Coyne
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Tweet ThisEMC News - Despite a threatening forecast, Canada Day in Smiths Falls enjoyed near ideal conditions, helping bring out a huge audience to Centennial Park last Wednesday, July 1.
"The weather was perfect," organizer Jackie Staples said, reflecting on the memorable day.
The events opened with the traditional bike decorating contest and parade. There were a total of 37 entries this year, Staples reports with each of the participants receiving bike reflectors for their good work. The various category winners also received junior camp chairs. They are:
- Best Decorated: Zoe Ingleby
- Best Decorated Wagon: Ryan and Alyssa Fleming
- Youngest Participants: Colin Heald and Mike Huneault
- Most Mature Participant: Doris McFarlane
- Largest Family Groups: Joey, Tianna, Serena and Michael Huneault
- Simon, Patrick and David Barkley
- Best Costume: Falon Webster
- Most Patriotic: Sarah Heald and Colin Heald
- Honourable Mention: Gary Davis and Lee Hitchins
Other participants were: Emily Garvin, Matthew Garvin, Emily Chatwood, Bailey Bisaillon, Savannah Bisaillon, Tyler Graydon, Thomas Graydon, Jason Little, Kendra McWilliams, Casey McWilliams, Cameron Sehnoare, Cyriss Sehnoare, Kendra, Carson and Jordan McCann, and Erica Bennett.
PARADE FOLLOWS
Following the parade from the Town Hall to the park, Mayor Dennis Staples officiated the opening ceremonies during which he welcomed everyone to this celebration of Canada's 142nd birthday. Later, he and bandmates from ESP as well as other musicians kept toes tapping all afternoon long.
Jackie Staples says this year's festivities were helped along by the large number of vendors whose varied booths were kept busy. The free inflatable rides and games kept youngsters entertained as well.
"The lineup (at the inflatables) was solid throughout the afternoon," Staples said.
BEACH VOLLEYBALL
A Canada Day beach volleyball tournament, held at Lower Reach Park, attracted six teams and raised $175 for the beach development project.
"All things considered, we're pretty happy," said Greg Waters, a Smiths Falls resident who is spearheading a project to revive a community beach in town.
The municipality provided a large load of fresh sand and Tony Humphrey of Davidson's Courtyard volunteered to help spread it with his small excavator, Waters said.
"It was a good time," he added. "I think we're going to plan to do it a little bit better and bigger next year."
To wrap up the busy day, at dusk, a huge crowd headed down to Lower Reach Park for another impressive fireworks display.
Overall, Staples could not have been more pleased with the day.
"Everyone commented on how great it was," she said.
