THUNDER BAY - The Nasser family has lived in Thunder Bay since 2017, but decided Canada Day would be the day they would try Fort William Historical Park.
Originally from Lebanon, the family spent the day learning about the history of the region they now call home.
“Usually my kids don’t enjoy going out too much, but today was good,” Haitham Nasser said.
The Nasser’s were one of many families who took part in the festivities at Fort William Historical Park on Monday.
Haitham’s son, Mahdi, said his favourite part was paddling in the canoe.
“It was my second time on the water.”
Haitham says Canada’s independence day celebrations are different from Lebanon.
“I think Canada Day has more of an emphasis on landscape when it comes to celebrating, at least here at Fort William Historical Park. It’s a bit different when it comes to Lebanon, it’s more about history there.”
Jiangyuan Huang is an international student from China who wanted her mother to experience Canadian culture on the holiday.
“It’s too hot,” she said when asked what she expected Thunder Bay to be like.
Huang has been in Thunder Bay for three days.
While it’s safe to say her opinion of the weather will change, her Canadian pride is well-established, and she said it was important to spend the day with her mother.
“My mom just traveled here and she wanted to see different things. She loves travelling and trying new things,” she said.
As for the Yang family, the bouncy castles provided the children with something to do while the parents enjoyed the nice weather. Originally from Guyana, they’ve lived in Thunder Bay for the last six years.
Whether newly arriving, or already established, the Fort William Historical Park provided a family-friendly venue to celebrate being a Canadian.
