HALDIMAND—Thousands dressed in their best red and white to celebrate Canada’s 157th birthday on July 1, 2024. Two major celebrations were held locally, with the Caledonia Chamber of Commerce and the Dunnville Optimist Club stepping up, alongside partnering groups, to host family fun events in their respective communities
Caledonia
CALEDONIA—The Caledonia celebration kicked off with the parade. 
More fun at the Caledonia parade. 
The streets were lined with children and parents anticipating a great parade, including (above left) Easton Vukovic, Jaden Bulger, and Aylssa Vukovic. 
After the parade ended many people flooded Kinsmen Park, where they were greeted by Dave and Marg Woolley of the Caledonia Chamber of Commerce. 
Visitors used the pool and splash pad, perused the assorted vendors, or went right to the food trucks. 
Enjoying lunch (middle right) is Amanda, Owen, and Dave Gillon. 
Minions were just some of the many special guests who joined the parade. 
At 3:30 p.m. the Steven Young Annual Duck Race took place on the Grand River, with a thousand rubber ducks released at the dam. The ducks floated down the river, ending at the bridge, with first receiving $500, second and third $200, and fourth $100.
—Haldimand Press photos by Randy Carter.
Black Top Hop
CALEDONIA—Freedom Train rock the Black Top Hop. 
The amazing volunteer firefighters who helped organize the “unofficial kickoff to summer” event: (top row, l-r) Captain Steve Rummerfield, retired volunteer Greg Ince, Al Campbell, (bottom row) Greg Jenkins, and Jay Stephien. 
Cassie C., Rachel M., and Phil M. 
Hannah W. and Christelle D.
CALEDONIA—The popular Caledonia Firefighters Association Fireman’s Black Top Hop fundraiser began on June 30, 2024 at the Riverside Exhibition Hall, ringing in the beginning of Canada Day later that evening. The traditionally outdoor dance moved indoors this year, and the expected sold-out event celebrated with food, fun, and the great sounds of Freedom Train. —Haldimand Press photos by Tina Brajic.
Dunnville
DUNNVILLE—“Captain Canada” and his sidekick “Miss Canada” (Jeff Dutcher and daughter Kylie Dutcher) show off their Canada Day garb. 
Dunnville’s fun was in Central Park: left, Mary Jane Ings (left) and Diane LeGres were serving up hot dogs at the Legion Branch 142 tent 
Newcomer to Dunnville and first-time participant of the Canada Day festivities, Ellie Cormier, was handing out flags. 
Mom and daughter Sylvie and Marie Taylor were enjoying the event. 
Music throughout the day was provided by Steve Oros. 
99-year-old Jean Goodfellow had a chat with Mayor Shelley Ann Bentley. 
Event Chair, David Shanahan.
DUNNVILLE—On Monday, July 1, 2024 the Dunnville Optimist Club partnered with other service organizations to bring Canada Day to Central Park. A very large turnout attended to enjoy cake, a barbecue put on by Branch 142 Royal Canadian Legion, many vendors, games, and more. —Haldimand Press photos by Kerry J Newstead and Karen Carmichael.
