There were plenty of opportunities for residents of Caledon and the surrounding area to mark Canada Day last week. Albion Hills Conservation Area was the site of its annual big celebration and there was a large crowd out to take in all the fun. Joshua Urra, 9, of Bolton was making friends was some of the animals in the petting zoo.
Photos by Bill Rea

Caledon was a very busy place last Wednesday, with celebration throughout town to mark Canada Day. There was lots to see and do at the annual Caledon Canada Day Strawberry Festival at the Caledon Fairgrounds. Caledon’s Town Crier Andrew Welch led the parade of dignitaries to the opening ceremonies at the Fairgrounds.

The fun at Downey’s Farm Market Canada Day Strawberry Festival included this ceremonial birthday cake for Canada. On hand for the official cutting were Councillors Gord McClure and Jennifer Innis, Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones, Mayor Allan Thompson, Dufferin-Caledon MP David Tilson, Councillor Johanna Downey and Dudley, the Downeys’ mascot.

People got the chance to learn something about birds of prey from King Sport Environmental and Falconry in Caledon East. Adam Geddes of Brampton watched as his children Hailey, 5, Jacob, 9, and Noah, 11, got to meet this three-month-old great horned owl, named Edwinia.

There was more to celebrate last Wednesday than just Canada Day. Jean Kelloway, a long time member of the Caledon Agricultural Society, marked her 90th birthday the following day. And Gwen and Clarence Pinkney had celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary June 27. Seen here, helping out with the celebrations, were Mayor Allan Thompson, Councillor Barb Shaughnessy, Councillor Doug Beffort and Dufferin-Caledon MPP Sylvia Jones.

Katrien Mooney of Downey’s Farm Market was helping to sell strawberries, with all proceeds from the sales going toward the One Walk to End Cancer, which will be held Sept. 12 in Toronto.

There were all sorts of fun and interesting games to try at Downey’s. Amy Podnar of Brampton watched as her son Xander, 3, tested his strength.

The Strawberry Eating Contest is always a fun attraction at the Caledon Canada Day Strawberry Festival at the Caledon Fairgrounds. Organizers had a bit of trouble finding some strawberries, but they were able to secure enough just in time. That gave Ava Murenbeeld, 6, of East Garafraxa the chance to demonstrate how fast she can eat.

What would a Strawberry Festival be without strawberries? Nine-year volunteer Angie Saylors and Christine Starling of Shelburne were serving Ewa Kazzkowski.

Campfire Poets from Orangeville were providing entertainment on stage at Albion Hills Conservation Area. The group consists of Dennis Hahn on keyboards, Steve Batenchuk on bass, Geoff Canlett on vocals, Scott Bruyea on drums and Ryan Hancock on guitar.

Peel Region was represented by Shanyn Bibby and Imre Tot as they offered people details on how to deal with roundabouts.

The Caledon Concert Band, under the director of Rob Kinnear, was performing at Albion Hills Conservation Area.

Robert Presswood had lots of magic to perform at Albion Hills.

The festivities started early at Downey’s Canada Day with the annual pancake breakfast. Councillors Johanna Downey and Gord McClure were hard at work on the serving line.