THUNDER BAY - Thunder Bay citizens were filled with too much pride to sit out the sesquicentennial celebrations.
The Canada 150 festivities at the Marina Park were wet, but not enough to stop the Daqar family and thousands more from showing love to their country
Amna Daqar was on hand on behalf of her family, who were celebrating their own anniversary after moving from Syria.
“We came here one week before Canada’s birthday [in 2016]. Now it’s been one year.”
The Daqar family was filled with positive things to say about their experience after one year.
“When I came here I was a little bit shy and worried about the people in Canada,” said Amna. “I didn’t know anyone here, but my sponsor is so good with me. We love Canada.”
Amna’s daughter Najha echoed the same sentiment.
“We never really celebrated [Syria], so this is awesome to me,” Najha said. ““People say it’s a free country and they’re right.”
For Lawrence Timko, the trip to the Marina on Canada Day wasn’t his first rodeo.
Timko was celebrating his 80th birthday along with Canada’s 150, and says he’s been coming to the festivities for four decades.
“Everyone says it’s the greatest country of the world - and it is. They’re acknowledged all over the world as the nicest people.”
His outfit - a flashy, Canadian-flag-centric jumpsuit - still managed to stand out in the sea of red.
“It’s actually from Calgary, I haven’t seen anyone else wear it,” Timko said. “Sometimes it’s a little embarrassing but I want to let people know I want to be part of the special day.”
While Timko had 80 years of civic pride to show for, six-year-old Brody Pykari was sporting just as much despite his age.
“Canada Day is my favourite day,” said Brody who had a red-and-white, lion-inspired face painting, “My favourite thing is the bouncy castles.”
Brody said he’s also looking forward to stay up late and watch the firework show for the first time.
Overall the turnout was impressive considering the weather, according to the city's cultural development and events supervisor Ash Young.
“We heightened everything a bit this year… It’s been great.”
