Bring on the bikes
Decked out in red and white for Canada Day, youngsters enjoyed the bike decorating contest held in Morrisburg and anxiously awaited the judge’s decision on who won a prize for the best decorated bicycle. Thompson Goddard photo
For just over a decade the Run to Get It Done has been a part of Canada Day celebrations in North Stormont. A fundraiser for the Avonmore Community and Athletic Association (ACAA), the 5 km and 10 km timed run began as organizer Garnett Last finished the count down. Organizers commented there were 72 runners in the event. With registration participants received a t-shirt and complimentary breakfast held in North Stormont Place. The community breakfast is a fundraiser for the Roxborough Agricultural Society which hosts the Avonmore Fair held annually in July. Thompson Goddard photo
Kalynn Sawyer Helmer and Jeff Moore
Record Staff
SDG – Stormont Dundas and Glengarry counties celebrated Canada’s 151st birthday in record breaking heat on Sun., July 1. Each of the villages organized spectacular shows for their residents with activities, food, fun and of course the always anticipated evening fireworks.
MP Guy Lauzon and newly elected MPP Jim McDonell were on hand to help kick off the festivities at the South Mountain Canada Day. Moore photo
The sweltering heat reduced the turnout at all the celebrations across the province. Canadian Heritage reported there were only 6,000 people on Parliament Hill during the noon performances, much less than the expected turnout and last year’s 25,000. Once the temperature gave way slightly during the evening, Canadian Heritage estimated over 19,000 people in total, had attended throughout the day.
In the local areas, splash pads and indoor activities, community centres and morning events made Canada Day a fun and safe day for everyone. In Avonmore the 5 km and 10 km Run to Get it Done were scheduled in the morning to help mitigate the risk of heat stress. Emergency services were also on-site just in case. Organizers reported 72 runners took part in the races.
In Morrisburg the splash pad was a big hit among kids looking to cool off, as were the shaded areas where bingo and other games made for an enjoyable day. There was another successful bike decorating contest with plenty of kids participating. The highlight of the day was of course the fireworks at dusk.
In South Mountain, there was a slew of inflatables for the kids to enjoy, while the adults enjoyed refreshments to beat the heat listening to some soft rock by Ambush. The North Dundas Fire Department had a booth there and there was an ice cream stand for the kids. The Winchester, Chesterville and South Mountain Lions’ Clubs were the hosts of this year’s celebration and they were handing out flags, tattoos and colouring books and also tended the bar and manned the barbecue. Vanderlaand’s, The Barnyard Zoo and Little Ray’s Reptiles both drew the attention of a few children and adults. The Lions Club served barbecued chicken breast and one inch thick steak to go alongside potato salad, coleslaw and a bun. Under the entertainment tent, Ambush gave way to Marlene Fawcett and Mountain Breeze followed by the Dixie Chicklets. There were many dignitaries on hand for the celebrations including MP Guy Lauzon and newly elected to a majority government MPP Jim McDonell along with councillors and election hopefuls for the municipal election this fall. Fireworks followed at dusk as Canada Day drew to a close in North Dundas.
Thanks to the many community-minded volunteers and organizers; once again the residents of SDG enjoyed a great Canada Day celebration.
