(Posted 8:30 a.m., July 5)
Thousands turn out to celebrate Canada Day on Petrie Island
By Fred Sherwin
Orléans Online

A member of the Elite Martial Arts and Karate School performs during the Greater Orléans Canada Day Celebration on Petrie Island. Fred Sherwin/Photo

Petrie Island was the scene of a massive human gathering on Thursday as an estimated 18,000 people celebrated Canada's 143rd birthday at the east end park with their friends and neighbours.

The 6th Annual Greater Orléans Canada Day Celebration was a huge success thanks mainly to the weather which was rain-free for the first time in four years.

Visitors to the island enjoyed a number of attractions including the Family Olympics, inflatable rides, karate and dance demonstrations, beach volleyball, Little Ray's Reptiles, the Circus Delights Magic Show, Radical Science and live entertainment from the likes of Chasing Curiosity, Eppiphane and the Ricky Paquette Band.

The Kids Tent was the centre of attention for most of the day as youngsters were able to cast their line for prizes in the fish pond, play mini-golf, have their faces painted or be amazed at the Radical Science experiment table.

The opening ceremonies paid hommage to the 150th anniversary of the Paroise St-Joseph d'Orléans which was founded in 1860 and marked the birth of the east end community. Welcoming remarks were provided by city councillors Michel Bellemare, Rainer Bloess and Rob Jellett, MPPs Phil McNeely and Jean-Marc Lalonde and MP Royal Galipeau.

After all the speeches, the crowd joined in the singing of "O Canada" led by 13-year-old Michelle Treacy from Orléans followed by the traditional cake cutting which was then served to over a hundred hungry celebrants.

Older visitors were able to kick back in the beer tent and enjoy a cool beverage while being serenaded by karoake singers.

The celebration was capped off by a 35-minute fireworks display which was enjoyed by over 18,000 people who crowded onto the beach to watch the pyrotechnics.

The Greater Orléans Canada Day Celebration is entirely volunteer run with help provided by a long list of local organizations and community groups including Jeun'Espoir Jamaique, the Rotary Club of Orléans, the 4th Orléans Scout Troop, the Myers Orléans Bengals Football Club, and

(This story was made possible thanks to the generous support of our local business partners.)

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