Ottawa Journal (June 22 – June 26, 2021)
David Tilson, M.P.

As the school year ends and another summer begins, families throughout Dufferin-Caledon are beginning to consider how to spend the coming summer months. Luckily, there is always plenty to do right here in Dufferin-Caledon, beginning on July 1st with one of my favorite holidays: Canada Day.

From our pristine lakes and valleys, to our magnificently diverse society- Canada is truly one of a kind and Canada Day presents a wonderful opportunity for all Canadians to come together and celebrate all that makes our country wonderful. As always there are a number of events planned throughout the riding and I would like to take this opportunity to outline some of them for you.

On the morning of July 1st residents of Dufferin-Caledon can enjoy a strawberry pancake breakfast at the 21st annual Canada Day Strawberry Festival. The event, which is hosted by the Caledon Agricultural Society, will take place at the Caledon Fairgrounds from 10am till 4pm with the opening ceremony commencing at noon. The entertainment will include a bouncy castle, petting zoo, pony rides and a classic car show. For more information on this event please visit www.caledonfairgrounds.ca. 

Downey’s Farm Market presents families with another breakfast option, as the Farm will be hosting their own strawberry pancake breakfast as well. Beginning at 9am and closing at 5pm the Downey’s farm has many fun activities planned ranging from rock climbing, petting zoo and live bands. For more information please visit www.downeysfarm.ca. More family fun and entertainment can be found at Albion Hills Conservation Area and Campground later in the day. The Albion Hills event begins at 4:30pm and finishes with a fireworks display that will commence at dark. During the time leading up to the spectacular fireworks display there are many things to see and do, including; face painting, swimming, and live music. For more information please visit www.trcaparks.ca. Also, the Knox United Church will be hosting their annual strawberry supper beginning at 4pm and running until 7pm.

The Town of Orangeville is also hosting their annual Canada Day celebrations at the Orangeville Agricultural Society Fairgrounds. The event will begin at 7pm with many kids activities ranging from balloon animals to face painting. For more information please visit www.orangeville.org.  At 7:15 the talent show will begin and the fireworks finale will kick off at 10pm.  The Township of Amaranth is also hosting a Canada Day celebration that will include all day entertainment, as well as an opening ceremony taking place at 2pm. The ceremony will include the unveiling of Amaranth’s Roll of Honour in memory of residents who gave their lives during the First and Second World Wars.

Once again, the Orangeville Legion will be hosting a Canada Day celebration complete with food and an outdoor bar starting at 12 noon.
 
Finally, the Town of Shelburne will be hosting their annual Canada Day celebration at the Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex beginning at 3pm and running until 6pm. The event will include free swimming, the annual Shelburne Idol competition and the Kinsmen Club beer garden. There will also be a fireworks display beginning at dusk. For more information, please visit www.townofshelburne.on.ca.

I hope you and your families will be able to get out and enjoy some of the wonderful events here in Dufferin-Caledon on Canada Day, they are all fantastic and each one has something special to offer. I plan to make it to as many of these events as possible and I hope to meet you and your family there. See you on Canada Day!