Family fun aplenty in Kingsville on Canada Day

A full slate of family activities made for smiles on the faces of the hundreds in attendance on Canada Day for an all outdoor celebration at the Kingsville Recreation Complex.

The day began with opening ceremonies that included greetings from Kingsville town council and a community healing spirit drumming session. Shortly after the opening, eager children grabbed a free themed cupcake and then listened to tales from storyteller Monica Gustafson. The always popular Kingsville Express was full of face-painted kids enjoying a spin on the mini-train journeying up and down Jasperson Lane.

For those with an interest in getting in some physical activity, a multitude of games and sports were set up, including an obstacle course, a spike ball court and a foam zone to cool off. 

Intellectual challenges were part of the celebration as well with youngsters putting their minds to work with an imagination station and a game of Canada Day trivia.

New this year was a country-loving art activity for those aged 14 to 25. The Spray Paint Pallet Art Challenge involved two rounds of painting that captured the spirit of the day. The finished pallets will form a legacy of sorts as they will become part of a future gaga ball pit on the complex grounds.

The Kingsville Lions Club was on-site throughout the day serving up barbecued burgers and sausages for hungry patrons, while a dozen vendors set up for those wanting to take home a holiday trinket.

Live music took over later in the evening, with Canadian Goldrush performing a set followed by the headliner Carson Janik.

Of course it wouldn’t be a complete Canada Day celebration without fireworks. Oohs and ahhs could be heard in the night as explosions of beauty filled the sky over the soccer fields to end a great day in Kingsville.