The fervency of Canada Day celebrations in Picton was remarkably higher in 2025 and we all know who to thank for the sudden outburst of patriotism.

Pride in the maple leaf was very much in style as the Picton Recreation Committee hosted a Canada Day street celebration featuring live music, dancing and a beer garden.

Word is domestic sales were through the roof while American imports lagged very much behind.

Cue the Funk, Prince Edward County’s preeminent Canada Day band, cranked out the soulful 70’s and 80’s hits before local up and coming rockers Kojak hit the stage later in the afternoon.

Chalk murals, skipping ropes, and squirt guns on Main Street kept those young and young at heart occupied while the Picton Firefighter’s Association served up nearly 900 hot dogs at their fundraising barbecue.

Over at Benson Park, there were inflatable games and play areas for children to enjoy.

The Department of Illumination added a splash of art with their cardboard beaver dams and a message-laden Canada Flag where young and old wrote what Canada meant to them and what they loved about our country.

“Freedom”, “Hockey”, “Nature”, “Camping”, and “Newfoundland and Labrador” were just some of the examples.

 Chair of the PRC Raj Dhillon said it was incredible how Main Street came alive this Canada and noted some businesses that stayed open saw triple their regular foot traffic.

“The vision for the past three years has been to close Main Street and create a truly inclusive experience—with something for everyone,” she told the Gazette. “This year, we celebrated not only our country, but our shared connection and the land we’re lucky to gather on, traditionally cared for by the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, and Huron-Wendat peoples.”

“The day ended with music, laughter, and a strong sense of community—an experience many are already looking forward to next year.”