Canada Day was back in style in Prince Edward County in 2022.

Parades, community events and yes, even fireworks were part of the local slate of activities although one had to know where to look to watch the big bright bangs in the sky on July 1

As part of a new celebration to bring in the summer season in Prince Edward County (PEC), PECelebrates Festival ran free community events from June 25 — July 1st.

(Desirée Decoste/Gazette staff)

The Festival is a celebration of community, cultures and Canada in PEC. To kick off the celebration on June 25th, Revel: Celebrating Diversity in PEC, took place at Macaulay Heritage Park which was in celebration of Indigenous Heritage Month and Multiculturalism Day. This celebration was produced by The County Museums. Music by internationally-acclaimed multi-instrumentalist David R. Maracle, alongside Amanda Jean, Oh Darlin’, Charlie Bird Band and the Sophiasburgh All-Stars were enjoyed by all who attended.

Also included in the day were opportunities to engage with community organizations as well as educational sessions took place inside Macaulay Church. Kaleidoscope: A Moveable Feast food truck was there for the event as well as a beer garden by 555 Brewing Co.

A long-standing County tradition returned to Main Street Wellington on June 30th, The Wellington Canada Day Street Dance, presented by the Wellington Recreation Committee, Wellington on the Lake Residents Association and The County put on a two day fun-filled celebration for residents and visitors alike.

The festivities kicked off with a children’s concert by Mystic Drums in Wellington Park and continued into the evening with concerts by Cue the Funk and 3Thirty3. On-site food vendors and a beer garden by Midtown Brewing Company were available to grab a bite to eat or to stay hydrated. The street was closed between Maple Street and Wharf Street from 6-11.

“An evening like this – to celebrate, to socialize and gather face to face – has been a very long time coming,” expressed Mayor Steve Ferguson at the Wellington Street Dance. “It has been a very long 27 months that we have lived with the pandemic. Events such as this, and the PECelebrates Festival are what Prince Edward County does extremely well – particularly in Wellington. Certainly this event, Canada Day, is an example, and Pumpkinfest comes to mind, as do more solemn occasions such as Remembrance Day. Throughout the past week during PECelebrates, we have come together to celebrate the value and ideals that make this country and community great: diversity, tolerance, acceptance. Canada Day is a time when we are reminded and encouraged to reflect on what it means to be Canadian, and how we can endeavour to live those ideals everyday and strive to make Canada a better place for everyone. It is times like this that should remind us of our good fortune to live in Canada, and indeed to live in Prince Edward County. Just look at the challenges facing our southern neighbour, only a few dozen miles across the lake; or the tragedy that continues to unfold in Ukraine; or the drought and famine that affects millions of people in Africa. We are truly, truly blessed.”

(Jason Parks/Gazette Staff)

Picton Fairground was one of the places to be on Canada Day, festivities took place from 12-4 with live active play activities for kids, balloon-twisting, airbrush tattooing, inflatable amusements, musical performances and more There were plenty of activities offered from community partners such as The Baxter Arts Centre, Come Alive Outside, 99.3 County FM, and the Picton Recreation Committee.

Finally, on Canada Day evening, residents in the village of Ameliasburgh gathered to watch fireworks at Roblin Lake. With uncertainty surrounding Canada Day and public activities due to the pandemic, Wellington did not host a fireworks display in 2022 but is considering the return of the skyward celebration in 2023.

Canada Day at the Picton Fairgrounds was supported by the Picton BIA, the Picton Recreation Committee, the Bloomfield Hallowell Recreation Committee, the Hillier Recreation Committee, the Ameliasburgh Recreation Committee and the South Marysburgh Recreation Committee. For more information on what events took place for PECelebrates please visit https://www.visitpec.ca/2022/06/22/revel-in-the-county-with-the-pecelebrates-festival/

(Jason Parks/Gazette Staff)