COVID-19 has changed everything, and this Canada Day will be like none other. The extension of Ontario's state of emergency until at least July 15 means most of us will be staying home on the holiday. But do not despair, tonnes of online and interactive activities are available to keep you and your bubble busy.
According to Mayor Rick Bonnette in his 2020 Canada Day message: “This Canada Day, the Canadian government is going to be celebrating Canada virtually. This is going to be something that's going to bring us all together to celebrate Canadian pride. The Town of Halton Hills will also be doing virtual conversations to encourage participation within our community”
To get started, you can get involved by downloading “celebration kit activity packs” at https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/canada-day/celebration-kit.htmlcontaining over 30 creative, interactive activities from Heritage Canada. You can learn Inuktuk, download an animation app and make a movie, make a paper model of a Canadian Air Force Tudor jet, print and assemble a variety of puzzles, download a photo missions app and learn to cook some fantastic Canadian recipes among other things. You'll also be able to view video capsules and interact with Canadian personalities and sports figures.
On Canada Day itself, nationwide celebrations can be accessed on-line at 1 p.m. and 8 p.m., followed by a virtual display of the some of the best firework spectacles from previous years . Further, dozens of virtual hubs across the country will be streaming live performances. Our closest hub is probably Oakville, which along with the others, will be running a continuous supply of presentations, workshops and performances throughout the day. The Town of Halton Hills is suggesting you follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to keep appraised of local events
Mayor Bonnette wants to see the red maple leaf flying high on Wednesday. “In 2017 Halton Hills was the most patriotic town in Canada. We had over 57,000 flags flying around Town. So get your flags out, dust them off, go to a local store, let's get that pride back,” he said.
Your family can join Halton Hills' Community Chalk Challenge which has been running since June 8. How creative can you get with sticks of coloured chalk? Suggestions include sketches for hopscotch, giant chess, obstacle courses or race tracks for toy cars and trucks. Participants can also create a special Canada Day design and the results can be shared on social media using #HHchalkchallenge #HHCanadaday.
If you and your family want to go for a stroll and learn a little local history, how about a downtown scavenger hunt? The Town has prepared separate scavenger hunts for Acton and Georgetown. Visit https://www.haltonhills.ca/en/residents/resources/VirtualCanadaDay-HHScavengerHunt-Acton.pdf for information. After June 29, scavenger participants will be directed to historical, municipal and art installations around town in search of a ‘hidden phrase.’ Upon completion of the hunt, groups register their answers, and winners will receive a prize pack that includes some fun sports equipment and a Frisbee.
Another event that's gone virtual is the Canadian Legends show, which usually occurs about this time of year at the Acton Town Hall Centre, perennially produced by Andrew Hilson and Mediaeval Productions. There won't be a live concert this year, but Hilson is in the process of collecting videos from local performers that he intends to edit and post as a collective video.
“In essence we're running our Canadian Legends show, which we'd normally hold at the Acton Town Hall Centre. Because of COVID-19 limitations, the show will be put into a video that we will post rather than streaming. We'll put the video on different media platforms – Facebook and possibly even Cogeco,” Hilson said. “Our goal is to put on more than just a show but to give people the opportunity to enjoy Canada Day and the rich traditions of our country from the comfort and safety of their own homes, without having to go out. It's important - in these unprecedented times - to remember our roots and to celebrate the birthday of our country as we look towards the future.”
Acton Run Club's Canada Day Run to go-ahead
Although public gatherings won't be happening, at least one group, the Acton Run Club is still holding its annual Canada-Day, albeit in a COVID-safe and distanced manner. According to the group's founder Chris Cassey, this will be the sixth year for the event. “The event page shows 18 [runners] with six maybes,” she said. “But that doesn’t include the families that come. Kids come out with parents every year and bike or run.....this year we know we must be in small groups and we can’t provide refreshments after.”
The run starts Donald Mann Park at 9 am. and winds for 5 km through Acton neighbourhoods south of Highway 7. Because of distancing requirements, anyone wishing to participate should consult the Club's Facebook page first.
The annual Acton Fire Fighters Association (AFFA) fireworks display at Prospect Park will be sorely missed. This would have been the 50th year that the group has staged this event, but it just wasn't possible, according to Alan Scott of the AFFA. “We are looking forward to next year’s show,” he said. “I am hoping to add some special effects next year to our show to make up for missing out this year. Our group is very disappointed but we understand the need to remain vigilant to protect everyone.”
Also, for the first time in as long as anyone can remember, Acton Legion 197 will be closed on Canada Day, and the Acton Citizens' Band won't be performing on the patio. But you may be able to get a drink and something to eat at one of the other restaurant patios in Town. Although space is limited, some bars have added additional seating in their parking lots and you can expect them to be busy.
But some things will be the same as other years. The classic cars will be out in numbers touring the streets, and people will be dressed in red and white. And neighbourhood fireworks will still sparkle and pound the sky at dusk. This will be a Canada Day like none before, and it may yet be one of the most memorable.
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