It was a celebration like no other with more than a 1,000 citizens proudly waving the same number of iconic red and white flags.
Canada Day in Innisfail on July 1 set a new attendance record.
Debbie Becker Matthie, museum manager at the Innisfail & District Historical Village, said her venue broke the 1,000 barrier for the first time.
“It was one of our best ever. We exceeded all of our expectations. Over 1,000 participants joined us for Canada Day,” she said.
Under gorgeous early summer skies the doors to the village opened at noon and the steady stream of visitors were entertained by country music star Denver Daines and Innisfail musician Devon Cooper. Children were kept busy at the bounce house. The air cadets provided hamburgers and hotdogs, with further treats served up by the Side Door Youth Drop-in Centre and the Phil-Can Neighbourhood Association of Innisfail.
“It was a beautiful day and the entertainment was a big draw, that level of talent from both Denver and Devon. Everyone loved them. Denver said he would come back next year,” said Becker Matthie.
From 4 to 4:45 p.m. the huge crowd enthusiastically participated with the official Canada Day ceremonies, which included a salute to the flag and the the singing of O Canada and God Save the Queen. Following the ceremonies, there was the cutting and serving of three huge Canada Day cakes.
“I think national pride is increasing, not only in our town but in the broader community and area,” said Becker Matthie. “I think because we put on a smaller event than at Red Deer's Bower Ponds does people have that opportunity to be in a smaller event and not be in such big crowds. I think they like that.”
Becker Matthie said she hopes the success of this year's Canada Day celebrations will inspire citizens in and outside the town to come to the village's next big event – the second annual Fall Festival on Sept. 6.
