Thousands flock to Marina Park for Canada Day celebrations

The fireworks may be the main attraction, but the 11 p.m. start didn’t faze thousands who poured into Marina Park on Wednesday for an earlier start to the Canada Day festivities.

From paddle boats to face-painting, to belly dancing and music on two stages, there was plenty of entertainment for young and old at the annual event, expected to draw more than 20,000 people to Thunder Bay’s downtown north core.

Saskia Pateman, a British native, said she was having a blast.

“It’s been really fun,” the 16-year-old said.

“There’s a bunch of cool stalls and stuff and there are belly dancers, they’re very cool. I dressed up a lot,” she said, her face decorated in red and white.

Even though she doesn’t call Canada her true home, it’s still fun celebrating the nation’s birthday, she added.

“I’m British. It’s fun. We don’t really have a British Day and it’s a chance to dress up.”

Her friend Emilee Marsh, 17, said Canada Day in the park is a great environment to be in.

“You get to see all the families come together and all the different cultures. And even if people aren’t from here, they still come down to celebrate it,” she said.

Nine-year-old Madison Wolframe was also decked out in Canadian gear and a simple reason for heading out to celebrate.

“Because it’s fun,” she said.

“I liked the balloon animals, and my mom and dad buy me stuff.”

That made her mother Sarah Adams chuckle.

The family, who live nearby, plan to watch the fireworks spectacle from the comfort of their home, but were enjoying the chance to mix and mingle.

“We love coming down to the park. It’s so beautiful here and there are so many people, so many activities for the kids. That’s our main reason for coming down,” Adams said.

“It’s just a celebration and it’s lots of fun.”

Police and city officials remind the public there is no parking at the Marina, but free shuttles are available to the park from both the 55+ Centre and Intercity Shopping Centre.