Red and white covered Bud Miller All Seasons Park on Tuesday as thousands celebrated Canada Day.
Despite a heat warning and periods of rain, families packed the grounds early and stayed late, enjoying a full day of music, food, and family fun. The celebration concluded with a fireworks display that lit up the sky.
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A Canadian Forces CF-18 flyby got the events underway with a roaring flypast. Opening remarks from Mayor Gerald Aalbers and other dignitaries followed shortly after. Local Juno-nominated country-pop artist Jordyn Pollard closed out the evening with a high-energy performance at 7 p.m.
Canada Day activities
Something was happening in every corner of the park. The Guardian Fun Zone drew steady crowds as kids bounced on inflatables, climbed walls and jumped in the variety of inflatables.
Horse-drawn wagon rides circled the trails while the petting zoo kept little ones busy. The Lloydminster Hot Doggers also showed off their skills with a K9 agility act.
“It’s great to see such a diversity of our community come out from various ethnic backgrounds to celebrate Canada Day,” said Mayor Aalbers.
“Many people have received a Canadian Citizenship over the last number of years in Lloydminster and have chosen to make Lloydminster their home. It’s terrific to see them come out and take part in the day.”
At the Adventure Zone, riders held on tight atop the mechanical bull and the more flexible took on the rock wall. The Tot Spot offered a quieter escape with storytime and a princess castle.
Attendees also had the opportunity to beat the heat as the city’s public swimming program provided a welcome break during the afternoon in addition to a jam-packed splash pad. Nearby, food trucks and farmers’ market vendors sold snacks and handmade crafts.
MP Rosemarie Falk, who attended the events, said being Canadian means so much to her.
“To be Canadian, I don’t even have words to sum it up. The fact we love and respect democracy, we respect the rule of law, we respect the diversity which strengthens us and our country,” said Falk.
“The fact so many have laid down their lives so we could enjoy those freedom and those wonderful things which make us Canadian.”
As the sky darkened, families gathered one more time along the waterfront as the fireworks show launched right on schedule, closing the
celebration with a colourful bang.
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