The sports fields by the Kingsville Arena were filled with squeals of delight on Canada’s 159th as children flung themselves around in the bouncy castle, imagined themselves as an Olympic athlete on the obstacle course or became immersed in foamy fun at the bubble party.
The festivities opened with free cupcakes courtesy of Zehrs Kingsville, and while the youngsters were being a little wild in the kids’ zone, adults could enjoy three live musical acts headlined by Buck Twenty on the JV Energy Solutions Inc. stage or stroll through an outdoor market filled with 20 local vendors.
Organized by the Town of Kingsville, Community Events Coordinator for the town, Alex Banks, shared her thoughts on what the celebration means for the residents saying, “It’s about celebrating national pride for our country. This event brings the community together in a really fun atmosphere.”
The day was capped off with a traditional Canada Day send-off as fireworks were launched on the south soccer fields, accompanied by many oohs and ahhs from all of the viewing families.
Thousands of music lovers lined the hill at Seacliff Park on Wednesday, July 1 and thousands more crammed the beach as Leamington’s Canada Day celebration rocked its way into history.
Big Shiny Toons took the stage at 7:30 pm and played every hit, one-hit wonder and popular tune from the 1990s they could muster in the almost three-hour show.
From Hanson to Metallica to Shania Twain, the rockers from Windsor made every song memorable, including guitarist Phil Smith’s version of O Canada, which brought everyone to their feet just prior to the fireworks.
The free concert was part of the Music OnThe42 Summer Concert Series, produced by The Bank Theatre in partnership with the Municipality of Leamington.
The fireworks themselves did not disappoint and the thousands in attendance left satisfied with the display.
Free Canada Day cupcakes were distributed inside the Kingsville Arena this year due to the extreme temperatures. Henry Comartin is pictured here with a chocolate cupcake, along with Thomas Neufeld and Debby Jarvis-Chausse.
SUN photo by Paul Forman
Big Shiny Toons bassist Brian McDonnell made his way into the crowd on a couple of occasions during their concert at Seacliff Park on Canada Day.
SUN photo by Mark Ribble
The inflatables were a big draw for the kids at the Canada Day celebration in Kingsville. Taking a quick break after having gone through the tropical obstacle course numerous times were Lily and Haley Baltzer.
SUN photo by Paul Forman
These folks were looking forward to the music and fireworks at Seacliff Park in Leamington. From left are Suzi Clatworthy, Diane Shpaiuk and Terry Johnston.
SUN photo by Mark Ribble
When the fireworks started in Leamington, they didn’t disappoint, as thousands of onlookers enjoyed the display from the beach and park.
SUN photo by Mark Ribble
John Barnett, Becky Glover and Corey Robertson overcame the heat to enjoy the Big Shiny Toons concert at the Sunset Amphitheatre.
SUN photo by Mark Ribble
The Kingsville Express became the Canada Day Express for one day only. Taking a spin down Jasperson Lane in the first ride of the day were Mateo and Lisa.
SUN photo by Paul Forman
