According to many who attended the Canada Day celebration in Pioneer Park at Southampton Harbour, the Oldest Port on the Bruce Coast at the mouth of the Saugeen River, “…it was a fantastic choice!” … “a great choice” … “a perfect setting”.
Although it seemed precarious at the outset as a storm with high winds swept in, Mother Nature came to rescue and the remainder of the day was ideal for the celebration.
The park, maintained by the Propeller Club of the Marine Heritage Society, looks out over Lake Huron and, while many prefer sun, the mature trees also offer shaded areas with seating.
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Adjacent to the park area, from savoury to sweet, there was something for every tastebud in the way of food. The Rotary Club of Saugeen Shores held its popular BBQ with delicious burgers, peameal and sausage on a bun, while next door Southampton Rotary was cooking up a storm with home-cut fresh fries and tucked away in a corner of the park was the Club’s hot popping bags of popcorn.
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Southampton Concert Band began the celebration with a stirring version of O’Canada with everyone in the park standing in respect and then performed a wide variety of music that included a tribute to movie memories of Bob Hope and other more current selections that had people up dancing.
For those on the younger side of fun, there was the the Nature Quizz by Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre and the chance to create rainbow bubbles sponsored by Giant Tiger.
Add to all of the landscape charm in Pioneer Park is the ‘Cannon’ stage ideal for entertainment. The ever-popular musical duo, Nuclear Vibes, followed on stage and then it was time for ‘Somethings Always Flying’. Both bands had the park rocking and everyone up dancing, until it was time for the big show – the Fireworks.
It’s safe to say that thousands gathered along the shoreline and the pier to take in the light show over the lake … a perfect setting and end of the day.
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