By Kelly Burgess, Bruce Peninsula Press
The heat didn’t stop the laughter from flowing at the now annual Canada Day celebration at the Pike Bay Community Park on Saturday July 1st. Not only was it an amazing event with so many fun-filled activities for children and adults, the generous attendees donated $1,080 and non-perishable food items for the Lion’s Head Food Bank. “The Food Bank is so grateful for the ongoing support of the Pike Bay Community!” beamed Darlene Myers, Food Bank Coordinator.
The event kicked off with musician Dan Corcoran leading Oh Canada to a patriotic crowd. This was followed by the Land Acknowledgment read by Sheri McCardy, one of the many Pike Bay Community Association volunteers who made this event a success. There were also many sponsors from the community who helped make this event possible.
Throughout the day, more people arrived to enjoy music, hotdogs and cupcakes, face painting and making friendship pins and bracelets.
The McGuire family was excited that this event was happening in the park this year. “We are Pike Bay seasonal residents and so happy to be here,” said Renata McGuire. Her boys Brandon and Lukas have been fortunate to spend their summers with their grandparents Andy and Cecilia Kotowski in Pike Bay for many years. The family had a wonderful time enjoying all the fun activities offered.
The bubble blowing station was a hit for both adults and children as huge bubbles continuously floated throughout the park. The beanbag toss, toy truck building, fish pond, and a Pike Bay photo booth were great fun for all.
Thanks to Fire Chief Jack Burt, the fire truck, with fire fighters Ken Shearer, and Stacey Thompson, Dave Van Geem and Andrew Vogan, was a big attraction for everyone at the event.
According to Debbie Dover, President of the Pike Bay Community Association (PBCA), “Pike Bay was certainly ready to party. It was wonderful to see so many come out to celebrate Canada Day, catch up with old friends and meet new neighbours. We are a little village with a big heart and it was heartwarming to see such generous donations to the Food Bank.”
The recreational drumming circle led by Ann Lowe brought out the talent in those that joined, teaching them advanced drum beats and songs. A membership booth for the PBCA also offered the latest edition of the book “Pike Bay – A History of Church and Community” for purchase. The Peninsula Bruce Trail Club was on hand to display and distribute information about their organization. For those who wanted to put on their thinking caps there was some fun Canada Day Trivia to enjoy.
After a full day of fun, there was a free draw for a variety of prizes. The celebration ended with the singing of “The Pike Bay Song” written by Don Edgar who is no longer with us. He wrote the song as a beautiful tribute to the bay and the people that live there. It was a moving moment for his wife Phyllis to enjoy the song that was led by her son Scott and his wife Barb. Their granddaughter Melissa and her three boys were also there to join in. It was a lovely way to end a spectacular day as the crowd sang along.
