INNISFAIL – Overcast skies and rain didn’t dampen spirits for Canada Day celebrations in Innisfail.
Rain or shine, the return to Centennial Park for Canada Day was destined once again to be a big hit for Innisfailians and guests, with food, entertainment and another spectacular late evening fireworks display. The following day was also popular for many locals who headed to the Innisfail and District Historical Village for more festivities.
Penhold and Bowden also held their own Canada Day events.
“It went over so well last year, the committee said let’s keep it going,” said Jim Romane, mayor of Innisfail, of the decision to have Centennial Park for the second year in a row as the main venue to celebrate Canada Day. “It’s great to see the crowd.”
Romane was asked to participate in a parachute jump over Innisfail with Skydive Big Sky, located at Innisfail Airport.
“They were going to do a quick drop in and they asked me if I wanted to jump so I said sure,” he added, noting it was his first time jumping from a plane.
Visitors on Saturday (June 30) enjoyed food trucks and barbecues, children’s games, cultural performances, the Innisfail Lions Club Beer Garden, local musicians Cole Malone, Devin Cooper and Cole Martin, and of course the fireworks.
The Rotary Club of Innisfail kicked off the day with a free pancake breakfast at the Royal Canadian Legion on Saturday morning.
One Innisfail resident showing her Canadian spirit was Cathy McDonald.
“I think it’s great that the town is doing this,” said McDonald, wearing a Canadian flag headband. “My grandchildren are here and they’re all decked out for Canada Day as well.”
She and her grandchildren enjoyed the inaugural event last year and were thrilled to see it again.
“I’m really so pleased the town is making this investment in the community,” said McDonald. “I think it’s an excellent idea.”
