After unsettled weather the past week with wind, rain and a bit of chill, Mother Nature offered up plenty of blue sky and pleasant temps for Sault Ste. Marie’s celebration of Canada Day.
Sault Mayor Matthew Shoemaker’s two sons, six-year-old Hudson and two-year-old Maxwell, kicked things off at Roberta Bondar Pavilion a shade past 2 p.m.
And a Happy Canada Day was exactly what the large crowds at both the Pavilion and the Downtown Plaza appeared to be having on a radiant Monday afternoon.
Victor Pulente was at the pavilion with a group of friends, as he always is, every July 1st.
“I come every year, I haven’t missed one year, yet,” said Pulente. “This year it’s beautiful. Not too windy. It’s a beautiful day for the fireworks.”
Shoemaker, Sault MPP Ross Romano, Sault MP Terry Sheehan and Historic Sault Ste. Marie Métis Council Senator each extended well wishes to the large gathering at the Pavilion.
First Local talked to Romano just prior to the opening ceremonies.
“I think we have a lot to be grateful for,” Romano. “We live in one of the best places in the world. Certainly here in Sault Ste. Marie, we live in the best place in the world. Awesome place to have fun. Lots of good stuff to do here out in the community. Make sure you take part and enjoy!”
Sheehan asked the crowd: “Who agrees that Canada is the best country in the world!?” drawing cheers.
We are kind, we are caring, we are compassionate. This is our country. This is our time,” said Sheehan.
The ceremonies were MC’d by Andrew Stuetz.
Ryan Mauro led the crowd in signing the National Anthem and from there, music and a myriad of activities delighted attendees.
The highlight of the day was a 4:30 performance by the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame Duo, Donna and Leroy Anderson.
“My goodness what a beautiful day, but we knew it was gonna be a beautiful day, anyway didn’t we,” Donna Anderson told the crowd. “We’re delighted to be here. Thank You for coming out. I think this is only about the second time I’ve sung at this beautiful pavilion, and (I’m) delighted to be back home, that’s for sure.”
Over at the Downtown Plaza, it was the fourth and final day of the Sault Ste. Marie Poutine Feast. The plaza was packed and numerous vendors were on hand with a variety of snacks and refreshments.
The local celebration of Canada’s 157th birthday wound up with the riverfront fireworks display, at dusk.
Check out the gallery of Canada Day photos below from the Pavilion and the Downtown Plaza.
