By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
HALDIMAND—Another successful Canada Day is in the books, and thanks to the tireless efforts of the many volunteers, committees, and businesses working together, residents and visitors to Caledonia and Dunnville were able to enjoy big celebrations together for the first time since 2019.
Please enjoy the following slideshow of images from Caledonia’s Canada Day festivities;
CALEDONIA—Residents across Haldimand County had a chance to gather and celebrate Canada Day together as both Caledonia and Dunnville resumed festivities following two years of pandemic-related cancellations. Memories were made, unhealthy treats were consumed, games were played, parades were marched in, and a spectacular fireworks display over the Grand River wowed crowds young and old. It was a Canada Day to remember. Shown above are Alison, Elizabeth, Trisha, and Amanda Steele of Caledonia taking in the bouncy castles and vendors at the Caledonia Fairgrounds. —Haldimand Press photo by Rachel Vaarkamp.
CALEDONIA—Karen and Hunter Mendell and Amanda, Luke, Tristan, and Phoenix Frandsen of Caledonia watching the entertainment on the main stage at Caledonia Canada Day.
CALEDONIA—Volunteers with the duck race float in the Canada Day parade.
“It was a great event. We always have a good turnout for Canada Day,” said Caledonia Fair Manager Ian Thompson.
The Caledonia Fairgrounds had games, fireworks, and more. Behind the scenes, getting things together proved difficult after the prolonged break: “We had a lot of operational challenges this year. It’s always hard to get re-established after a couple of years without activity. We were not immune from the effects of the pandemic. It’s harder to get volunteers re-engaged,” said Thompson.
He also reflected on the loss of the former Executive Director of the Caledonia Chamber of Commerce and Canada Day committee member, Barbara Martindale, who passed away this spring, and to whom this year’s fireworks display was dedicated: “She was really the guiding force at the end of the day. She kept us all on track and made sure things were running well. We certainly missed her this year.”
Over in Dunnville, residents gathered at Central Park between 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for heaps of family fun. “We had more than 300 people and the weather was perfect,” said Dunnville Optimist Brenda Zynomirski. “It was so good to see all the smiling faces and to hear the laughter among the children. Families enjoyed playing the games together. Everyone was so appreciative and happy to be out and about and doing things.”
Please enjoy the following selection of photos from Canada Day in Dunnville;
DUNNVILLE—Dunnville’s James Miles, 3, tries his hand at putting with the help of mom Katie-Lynn Temple in one of the Dunnville Optimists’ many Canada Day games. —Haldimand Press photos by Kaitlyn Clark.
Parker Dutcher, 2, of Dunnville took on the bouncy castle slide alongside his sister, Makenna Woloshyn.
DUNNVILLE—Parker Dutcher, 2, of Dunnville took on the bouncy castle slide alongside his sister, Makenna Woloshyn.
DUNNVILLE—Legion members barbecue hotdogs for the Canada Day celebrations. Shown is Glen Legris, Tom Roberts, and Dave Roberts.
The event saw many prizes handed out, donated by local businesses, including bicycles won by Hailey Rowan and Hunter Harris.
Both Thompson and Zynomirski praised the volunteers who worked together on their respective events.
“We were so blessed to have such wonderful volunteers,” said Zynomirski. “A big thanks to the Rotary, Lioness, Lions, and Legion, and all the businesses that sponsored this event. A big thanks to all who came out.”
Thompson added that “volunteers are under a tremendous amount of pressure” for these events, which can be compounded by online criticism.
With this in mind, Thompson asked “anyone who enjoyed the Canada Day festivities” to share their compliments online or in person to let the volunteers and sponsors know they’re appreciated.
Thompson concluded, “I think we put on a celebration the town could be proud of.”
