You don’t look a day over 120 Canada

A sea of red and white surrounded the lake of blue, as hundreds turned out for Sylvan Lake’s annual Canada Day Celebrations.

On Friday, July 1 – people from all over the province came into the Town of Sylvan Lake to enjoy the multitude of activities - by a plethora of venues up and down the streets of Town.

The day officially began at 11 a.m. with the opening of Rotary Lighthouse Park, where Town officials and Rotary Club members presented the new and improved lighthouse, which is now on public property meaning any and all are able to enjoy the beautiful new park.

Mayor Sean McIntyre said in a speech that the Rotary Club has “built and returned an iconic symbol of our community,” and that he believes it will be around “when Sylvan Lake celebrates its 200th anniversary.”

Following the introduction of the lighthouse, Lakers had the opportunity to take the short walk down to the pier – where the Rotary Club had bouncy castles, food venues, face painters and professional massage booths set up for everyone to take part.

President Jim MacSween of the Rotary Club said that “Canada Day has taken a greater significance and the Rotary Club is happy to honour it.”

He added that he was happy too see all the visitors, immigrants and new Canadians being welcomed in Sylvan Lake for the occasion.

At 2 p.m., people gathered at the Town Municipal building where members of the Royal Canadian Legion and the RCMP gathered as a colour party to raise the Canadian Flag to the singing of “O’Canada.” It was truly a treat for those present to witness Legion Members in full garb honour the country that they sacrificed so much for.

The raising of the flag was followed by the March of Canadians – where Canadians marched and paraded down Centennial Avenue alongside the colour guard and the Innisfail Pipe andDrum Band towards the pier.

Once arrived, Mayor Sean McIntyre had a massive Canada Day birthday cake, prepared by Sugar Belle, ready for anyone who had a sweet tooth that day. Everyone had their fill of the tasty cake following another rendition of “O’Canada” and “Happy Birthday.”

Once everyone had their fill of cake, The Johnny Thorson Banjo Express helped everyone dance off some of the Cake Calories with some old fashioned Dixieland music, followed by theRotary Duck Race at Buk Wildz – where attendees had the opportunity to bet on rubber ducks.

Once, complete – Canadians could spend their afternoon at the Rotary events waiting for the always spectacular fireworks display, which started off at dusk to the delight of the crowds.

Happy Canada Day from the staff at the Sylvan Lake News.

reporter@sylvanlakenews.com