While the threat of rain and a possible thunderstorm placed a damper on this year’s crowd at the Canada Day celebration at Petrie Island this year, it failed to dampen the spirits of those people who did show up.
Despite the threat of rain and having to walk from the Trim Road park and ride to the shuttle bus at the Cité Collègiale campus on Jeanne d’Arc Blvd., Louise Deschamps brought her three children to Petrie Island where the reduced attendance meant shorter lineups for the inflatable rides and the food concessions.
“We went last year and there were a lot more people, but that’s fine. We’re having a great time anyway and so far the rain has held off,” said Deschamps.
One place where the rain wasn’t a factor was the beer tent, where everyone appeared to be having a great time.
Some of the highlights of the Petrie Island festivities were the traditional cake cutting and devouring of the giant Canada Day cake, the live entertainment which included several local musicians and the traditional fireworks display which concluded the big day.
O Canada lead organizer Zybina Richards is a veteran of all 15 Canada Day celebrations on Petrie Island. The event was moved to Navan in 2016 and two were canceled during the pandemic.
Prior to 2005, Richards was the lead organizer of the Canada Day celebration in Fallingbrook from 1986 to 2003.
After successfully undergoing triple bypass surgery in 2020 followed by a year-long battle with cancer, Richards was just happy to be able to bring the O Canada Celebration back to Petrie Island with the help of Kiwanis East Ottawa Est and Richcraft, who were this year’s title sponsors.
And the while the adults were grateful the O Canada Celebration had returned to Petrie Island, the kids were over the moon at the chance to play games in the KidZone, get their faces painted, take a turn in the bouncy castle and enjoy a piece of the massive Canada Day birthday cake, which was brought out at the conclusion of the opening ceremonies.
As the temperature rose throughout the afternoon, a large number of people took advantage of Petrie Island’s has two beaches, while others enjoyed a cold beer or refreshing cooler while listening to the live music.
OYSTER NIGHT at the Orléans Brewing Co., 4380 Innes Rd. from 6 to10 p.m. Indulge in the finest oysters and unwind with a drink in hand. We also offer wine and ciders for the non beer lovers!
ROYAL OAK ORLEANS Cabin Fever Dart Tournament starting at 12:30 p.m. Entry fee is $15 with all funds going back to the players in prizing. Registration deadline is 12:30pm, games will start at 1pm. Pre-register at the bar to save your spot today!! The Royal Oak Orléans pub is located at 1981 St. Joseph Blvd. near Jeanne d’Arc.
BeYOUtiful WOMEN’S EXPO from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Shenkman Art’s Centre with over 35 exhibitors and seven guest speakers covering the topics of health, wellness, beauty and fun. Tickets $10 at the door.
OYSTER NIGHT at the Orléans Brewing Co., 4380 Innes Rd. from 6 to10 p.m. Indulge in the finest oysters and unwind with a drink in hand. We also offer wine and ciders for the non beer lovers.
