Community spirit shines at July 1 celebrations in Elora

July 2, 2024 @ 10:48 amNews

Big Brothers Big Sisters Centre Wellington hosted a Soap Box Derby in Elora on July 1. Third from right is Rylan Youngblood in fan favourite 'Green Machine' built by Rylan and his Uncle Mike Wilkinson. Photo by Lorie Black
The Community Resource Centre of North and Centre Wellington (CRC) hosted a duck race at Bissell Park on July 1. Justin, Chanelle, Gryffn and Lesley Kovacs spent the afternoon at the park. "My son loved watching the ducks race down the Grand River, and we love knowing that the money raised goes to a good cause," Chanelle said.
First time participant Ben Hallman (left) with cousins Olivia and Charlie Hallman at the BBBSCW Soap Box Derby on July 1. Photo by Lorie Black
The crowd at Bissell Park wave their flags and cheer on as ducks make their way down the Grand River in the CRC duck race on Canada Day. Photo by Lorie Black
Mascots and drivers lined up for a photo op at the corner of Geddes and Colborne Streets in Elora after the Soap Box Derby races hosted by BBBSCW on Canada Day. Photo by Lorie Black
Senator Rob Black and The Old Democrat Society of Upper Nichol at the Dominion Day Parade in Elora on July 1. Photo by Lorie Black
DJ Spenny and Riverfest friends and family under a tent in Bissell Park where DJ Spenny spun an all-Canadian playlist during Canada Day celebrations. Photo by Lorie Black
Some races at the Soap Box Derby on Canada Day ended in ties. These racers were nose and nose all the way down Geddes Street in Elora. Photo by Lorie Black
Soap Box Derby driver Isobel was also in the Dominion Day Parade. Isobel finished second in her category but said that didn't matter. "I got to drive a car!" Photo by Lorie Black
Centre Wellington girls hockey club, the Grand River Mustangs march down Geddes Street at the Dominion Day Parade in Elora on July 1. Photo by Lorie Black
St John's the Evangelist Anglican Church in Elora offered free lemonade at their 'hydration station' during Canada Day festivities in Elora. The lemonade concentrate was donated by Lighthouse Lemonade in Fergus. From left: Jeannine Ross, Barb Watkins, and Anita Johnston. Photo by Lorie Black
Fergus Legion branch 275 marched and carried the Colours down Geddes Street in Elora, followed by Fergus Army Cadets, 492 Lorne Scots RCACC on July 1. Photo by Lorie Black
BBBSCW Soap Box Derby contestants prepare for their run down Geddes Street in Elora on Canada Day. Photo by Lorie Black
Elora Firefighters Association started their day at 4:30am on Canada Day. Their annual pancake breakfast was well attended, with lineups extending along Colborne Street on Canada Day. Photo by Lorie Black
The Fergus Pipe Band were in fine form making their way down Geddes Street in Elora during the Dominion Day Parade on July 1. Photo by Lorie Black
Rotary RAGAS (Rotary Action Group Against Slavery) eClub took part in the Dominion Day Parade in Elora on July 1. It also hosted events at the Sportsplex. Photo by Lorie Black
The Voisin family volunteered to wade into the Grand River to welcome the winning ducks at CRCs duck race on Canada Day in Bissell Park. The Voisins were part of the clean-up crew after the race, ensuring all ducks made it out of the water. From left: Stanley, Rob, Erica and Madison Voisin. Photo by Lorie Black
Bert Black (driving tractor) of Elora with the Old Democrat Society of Upper Nichol during the Dominion Day parade in Elora on July 1. Photo by Lorie Black
Community Resource Centre of North and Centre Wellington members and volunteers get ready to release the rubber ducks at the CRCs duck race on July 1 in Bissell Park. From left: Peter Bryson, Janet Saunders, Lori Ferber, Konrad Ferber, Kevin Rocks, Michael Christie and Rob Saunders. Photo by Lorie Black
Bluebonnet Lassies School of Highland Dance of Fergus make their way down Geddes Street in Elora during the Dominion Day parade. Photo by Lorie Black
Members of the Elora and Salem Horticultural Society created a colourful float and joined in the Dominion Day parade on July 1 in Elora. Photo by Lorie Black
The Centre Wellington Food Bank accepted food and monetary donations along the Dominion Day parade route in Elora on July 1. Photo by Lorie Black

ELORA – Under bright skies and with little humidity, residents and visitors flocked to the July 1 celebrations in Elora.

Pancake breakfast, cupcakes and DJ Spenny, a Soap box derby, duck race and Dominion Day Parade were some of the events that took place in downtown Elora and in Bissell Park.

The Township of Centre Wellington and local organizations and service groups worked together to create memories and bring the community together.

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