KAWARTHA LAKES-Canada Day is just around the corner and Fenelon Falls is preparing for a very special event. Canada Day is always an important day in this village and “I think it will be even more so with all the tariffs and foolishness about becoming a US state,” remarks Councillor Mike Perry. A big part of what makes Canada Day in Fenelon Falls unique is all the thoughtfulness and care the volunteers put into planning the event. “I love seeing how the community comes together to celebrate such an important day,” explains event coordinator Emily Smith. Volunteer Carol Milroy adds, “it’s a day when we can all step up and say why we are proud to be Canadian.”
“It’s a very fun and active day,” says Wayne Hutchison, who has helped out with countless community projects over the years. “There are a lot of things going on and a lot of different ways to have a really entertaining day. I love seeing so many people come to town, to enjoy all the different activities. It seems like there are a million things to do at the museum.” Carol continues, “the activities at the museum foster community of all ages. It’s nice to see grandparents with their children and grandchildren, having fun celebrating being a Canadian.”
This year’s festivities kick off at 10 am at Maryboro Lodge Museum and Garnet Graham Beach Park & Splash Pad. The park will be rocking with all day concerts in the park featuring the Harry Peterson Band and the Barn Katz. The family fun zone features a huge bouncy castle, pony rides, Zoo to You, Firefighters’ Fun, Hula Hooping, caricature artist Michael McDonnell, and Be a Rockstar! With Marky Monday. The Banana Balloona Mana will be twisting dogs, cats, flowers, swords, monkeys and just about anything you can dream up. The park will be filled with unique and fun educational activities. The Birthday Cake will be shared at 1:30 pm.
Fenelon Falls’ Royal Canadian Legion will be hosting Canada Day on the Patio at noon, featuring a barbeque and the Parker Boulevard Band. This popular event is a great opportunity to spend time with friends. “It is always a lot of fun at the Legion,” Wayne explains. “They put on a nice meal and it is always packed. It is a great day with good music and lots of good people.”
At 6 pm, the Rotary Club of Fenelon Falls will be raffling off a 1971 Dodge Charger valued at $62,020. The Rotary Car Draw is the club’s primary fundraiser, allowing it to support many local charitable causes. This organization helped to construct the beach park, splash pad, ball park and arena. If there is a good cause in the community the Rotary Club is probably helping out.
At 7:30 pm the Grove Theatre hosts a Tribute to Canadian Music Legends. It features hits by Canada’s finest recording artists including Steppenwolf, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, The Guess Who, The Tragically Hip, Blue Rodeo, Celine Dion, Barenaked Ladies and Great Big Sea. “I can’t think of any better way to celebrate Canada Day than a tribute to Canadian musicians from across the nation who have helped to shape our cultural identity and inspired generation after generation,” Emily remarks. No doubt the Grove Theatre will once again have the crowd rocking on July 1.
“My favourite part of Canada Day is the fireworks,” explains Chamber of Commerce manager Marylee Boston. “It’s a moment I enjoy sharing with friends and family. When you are at the beach park, you can see all the boats with their lights on. It’s a really unique way to see the fireworks, something that makes them different in Fenelon Falls than anywhere else. At 10:15 pm, Supernova Fireworks will light up the night sky over Cameron Lake, providing the grand finale for Canada Day.
While for most people, Canada Day is a day of celebration, for a dedicated group of volunteers it’s a day when they work very hard to make their community a better place. “I want especially to thank the Legion, Maryboro Lodge, the Grove Theatre, Trentside Baptist Church and Fenelon Court, as well as all the local businesses that make our Canada Day celebrations so special,” says Councillor Perry. “Thanks also to City Staff and our small band of volunteers who help with parking, extra garbage collection and port-a-potties.” There are a few individuals and local businesses who make the donations that make all of the events possible.
“I love seeing the celebration of Canada Day in Fenelon Falls,” says Caroline Fenelius-Carpenter. “Feeling the busy-ness downtown, seeing people enjoying the beach, the museum and locks, people eating on patios, enjoying frozen yogurt or grabbing some pizza and sitting on a bench or beside the locks. Seeing people show their appreciation and love for our country. It doesn’t get any better than that!”
This story is part of our partnership with Maryboro Lodge, The Fenelon Falls Museum and was written by Glenn Walker. .
If you want to make a donation to the museum, you can e-transfer to: [email protected] or mail a cheque to :
Maryboro Lodge Museum
Box 179
50 Oak Street
Fenelon Falls, ON
K0M 1N0
