From Queen’s Park by Sylvia Jones MPP — MPP Jones is ready to celebrate Canada Day throughout Dufferin-Caledon

June 28, 2014 · 0 Comments

As I prepare for Canada Day as the MPP for Dufferin-Caledon, I look forward to another busy day.
I look forward to this day every year because I get to travel most of the riding to meet and celebrate our country’s birthday with so many residents who make Dufferin and Caledon home.
Canada Day is about celebrating this great country with our families, friends and neighbours. This Tuesday being Canada’s 147th birthday, I am proud to be able to go from community to community and see the national pride shown by both young and old.
My first stop will be at Downey’s Farm Market on Heart Lake Road in Caledon, where John and his staff host a full day of Canada Day activities. It’s a perfect way to start if you love strawberries on your pancakes. It promises to be a “berry good time.”
In Caledon village, the Caledon Agricultural Society hosts a Strawberry Festival at the fairgrounds from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a parade, silent auction with Canada-themed items, a vendors’ market and of course, more strawberries!
Next, meet me at the Orangeville Legion on John Street, where members host an annual Canada Day celebration that has an official ceremony at 2 p.m. with the Legion Colour Guard. Then mix and mingle with our veterans and enjoy a piece of delicious cake.
The Town of Shelburne holds its annual Canada Day celebrations at the Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex, where many activities will take place. They will include Shelburne’s Got Talent, a showcase of our community’s rising stars. Join Mayor Ed Crewson, MP David Tilson and me at 3 p.m. for a rousing rendition of O Canada! Fireworks will light up the night sky at dusk.
Finally, my last stop of the day will be in Orangeville at the Alder Street Recreation Centre, where I will join the activities already in progress as things kick off at 2 p.m. and finish at 6. There is plenty to do throughout the day including rock climbing, free public swimming and crafts and games for the whole family. The day closes with fireworks at dusk over Island Lake and it’s suggested that you watch the fireworks from Rotary Park or the Island Lake Conservation Area.
Other Canada Day celebrations around Dufferin-Caledon include:
• In Amaranth, Canada Day will be celebrated at the Amaranth Township offices. Activities begin at noon with an official opening including a flag raising and singing O Canada at 1 p.m. This family-friendly celebration includes pony rides, children’s games and plenty of food!
• The Dufferin County Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to celebrate Canada Day and will include a Canada display of rare and beautiful artifacts, activities for young artists, including making a maple leaf mask, and a scavenger hunt for the whole family.
• In the Township of Mulmur, there is a strawberry supper at the Honeywood Arena from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
• In Caledon, the Albion Hills Conservation Area hosts Canada Day, and this year things kick-off at 4:30 p.m., finishing at 11 p.m. with a fireworks display at dusk. There is always great family fun available, including hay rides, a magic show and fabulous entertainment.
Without exception, all of these Canada Day activities would not be possible without community sponsors and organizations that rely on hundreds of volunteers who make our communities special. Please remember to thank them for their efforts. They have chosen to give back to their community on a day that many of us sit back and enjoy the benefits of their volunteerism. It’s a Canada Day packed full of great events, great families and great friends. I hope to see many of you throughout my day.
Enjoy the day and fireworks with your family!