THUNDER BAY — The firing of muskets and the singing of local bands were some of the notable sounds that filled the Fort William Historical Park as families kicked off their Canada Day celebrations in the city.
Darryl Fawcett and his son, Charlie, were one of the numerous families that came out to enjoy the park for the day. He said most years they’ll come out there for Canada Day.
“It’s wonderful. There are lots of people out. It’s (a) bright sunshiny day. My son went on a canoe ride and threw some axes. We had some good food, so it’s been a great day. Lots of good music. Everything’s going really well,” said Fawcett.
This year, getting to hit the axe in the target for an axe-throwing game was also a big celebration for Charlie, who had been waiting to be old enough to do it, added Fawcett.
“They have a ton of fun games. They also have a Bell House with Persians and coffee for the grownups if you want to drink that,” said Charlie, who recently was in a game of Baggataway, also known as Lacrosse.
“And like my dad was saying, they have axe throwing, which I’ve been waiting for a while, where you could throw an axe and they teach you how to do it and it’s very fun.”
Having worked there, Fawcett said the park is a place where he can bring his son and show him, hopefully, one day, he’ll work there too.
“We have lots of people here that have joined us already, like well over 1000 (and) more driving in as I speak, really just to celebrate Canada. To celebrate the diversity of Canada, the diversity of our community and also to honour the Indigenous peoples, (the) first people of this land,” said Jennifer McFarlane, the park’s marketing and visitor experiences manager.
“So, we’re taking some time today also to reflect and share knowledge and education with the public… It’s wonderful.”
Reflecting is something that’s not just limited to Canada Day, explained McFarlane — it’s something they’re very mindful of focusing on throughout the whole year.
“We have a number of training sessions that are delivered to staff throughout the whole year,” said McFarlane.
“We take time with our staff and with our Indigenous staff to really learn about the fur trade (and) the contributions of Indigenous people to this country, to this area— Indigenous inventions and ingenuity.”
The diversity of Canada and the diversity of their community are very important to them, she added.
“We’ve invited out a number of different cultural groups today…,” said McFarlane.
“They have information booths here and then we have artisans who are with us today doing demonstrations. We have a variety of musical acts and dancers on our main stage. So just trying to embrace all of the wonderful, that is Thunder Bay in Canada.”
McFarlane thanked the community for joining them at this event on Tuesday.
“We’re so happy to have you here. We have some American visitors with us as well and we welcome everyone, so thank you to all for coming,” said McFarlane.
“And we look forward to seeing you at other events throughout the summer at Fort William Historical Park.”
