THUNDER BAY - Wet weather was not going to slow down the civic pride on display at Fort William Historical Park on Canada Day.
Thousands of people came by to celebrate the festivities taking place for Canada’s 150th birthday.
“We’ve had an excellent turnout, as usual thousands have come out and have a good time,” said communications officer Emily Carr.
The day commenced at 9 a.m., and offered activities such as paintball, carnival games, science stations, live music, and canoe rides.
The on-and-off rainfall didn’t dampen the crowd size, as the Old Fort was prepared to take on any weather-related challenge.
“We’ve always got indoor and outdoor activities,” Carr said. “People always come prepared with umbrellas and rain ponchos, we still had a great time.”
Carr said the Old Fort’s take on Canada 150 is especially important considering its historic significance.
“It’s always great to celebrate Canada Day at Fort William Historical Park because of its relationship to the fur trade which played a big role in the development of Canada,” Carr said.
Fort William staff held their traditional reenactment, and fired off gunshots and cannons to culminate the day.
The reenactment was combined with daytime fireworks, which saw a colourful smoke engulf the banks of the Kaministiquia River.
Megan Brooke said it was her favourite part of the day.
“I didn't like the loud sound, but it was pretty cool to see all the colours and the smoke,” said the eight-year-old.
Elsewhere, Camden Crupi enjoyed the paintball station the most, “I haven’t really shot much and I think I did pretty good.”
Crupi felt a strong sense of pride in the atmosphere, and was happy to reflect on his civic pride.
“It should mean a lot to every Canadian... Knowing they live in a free country - free from war or anything like that.”
Or as Marek Kwiatkowski put it: “We’re the best country on the planet.”
