Local Canada Day celebrations took on a musical tone on July 1 with both Kingsville and Leamington hosting big concerts and celebrating Canada’s birthday in style.
The weather couldn’t have been better and despite the heat, no clouds appeared on the horizon to dampen all of that rejuvenated Canadian spirit.
The hill at the Sunset Amphitheatre at Seacliff Park in Leamington was filled with concert-goers and Seacliff Beach filled up quickly with families wanting a close-up view of the fireworks.
The evening festivities included an opening set by local musicians the Jen Knight Trio, who wowed the crowd with powerful vocals and familiar tunes.
They gave way to headliner Forever Seger at about 8:30 pm and they played right until the fireworks were ready, shortly after 10 pm.
Those in attendance witnessed a great show with all the Bob Seger tunes you’ve come to know and love, performed by a group that hit every note, a singer who looked and sounded the part, and a saxophone player who hit those signature ‘Main Street’ and ‘Turn the Page’ sounds beautifully.
The concert was hosted by The Bank Theatre as part of their Music OnThe42 Summer concert Series. The Bank Theatre partners with the Municipality of Leamington to put these concerts on free of charge to all attendees.
After the Forever Seger backup singers trio came down to the front of the stage and led the crowd in O Canada, the fireworks erupted out on the lake, capping off a perfect evening.
Over in Kingsville, festivities started a little earlier with celebratory cupcakes given out to everyone who wanted a sweet taste of Canadiana, served up by members of council and Mayor Dennis Rogers.
Activities included a foam party, bouncy castles, vendors and numerous children’s games before the music hit the stage at the Kingsville Sports Fields.
Sabor Latino opened, giving the party a Latin flare with their signature music, followed by Canadian Gold Rush, who wowed the crowd with their spot-on versions of Canadian hits, followed by the headliner Buck Twenty, the country duo who have a huge following in southwestern Ontario and are on the rise in the country music industry.
All of that was provided free of charge, courtesy of the Town of Kingsville, including the spectacular fireworks display that finished off a gorgeous night.
SUN photo by Mark Ribble
SUN photo by Doug Biekx
SUN photo by Mark Ribble
SUN photo by Mark Ribble
SUN photo by Mark Ribble
SUN photo by Doug Biekx
Photo by Aaron Carder at the Town of Kingsville
SUN photo by Doug Biekx
Photo by Aaron Carder at the Town of Kingsville
SUN photo by Mark Ribble
SUN photo by Mark Ribble
SUN photo by Mark Ribble
SUN photo by Doug Biekx
