CENTRE WELLINGTON – This year’s Canada Day celebrations are particularly special.
“We are also celebrating the 25th anniversary of the amalgamation of the Township of Centre Wellington,” said township community development coordinator Paula Sealey.
“Canada Day is an opportunity to create moments of joy and togetherness for residents of all ages,” Sealey said.
“The township invites everyone to enjoy the festivities, connect with neighbours and make lasting memories.”
Sealey said that the events were created through a collaborative effort involving various service clubs and organizations that “bring unique strengths and a shared dedication to making Canada Day an unforgettable experience for everyone.”
Pancake breakfast
Events start at 7am with the Elora Firefighters Association pancake breakfast at MacDonald Square in Elora.
The popular event runs to 11am, with local firefighters and “special guests at the pan” flipping pancakes.
Kody Kirton, volunteer firefighter and one of the organizers of the breakfast, said it’s “an all hands on deck” event.
“It is a huge task, and one that wouldn’t be possible without all of the hard work from our membership, families and members from the Fergus Firefighters Association as well.
“The coffee gets going at 4am!”
Kirton said Heritage River is a sponsor of the event, and Ken Weekes and his staff “go the extra mile” in helping with the event.
They also donate pancake batter and syrup, allowing the association to donate more funds raised at the event to local organizations and causes.
“This whole event is about community,” Kirton said.
“We don’t always get to see the people of our community under the best of circumstances, so this gives us a chance to meet and speak with people, do some public education and catch up with everyone.
“All of our guys genuinely look forward to doing this every year.”
The breakfast includes pancakes, sausage and a drink (coffee or juice) for $8 per person.
Soap box derby
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre Wellington hold their annual Soap Box derby at David and Geddes Streets in Elora from 8 to 11am.
The event draws enthusiasts and racers and is an opportunity for people to learn about the programs and the need for youth mentoring in our community, officials said.
There are two categories each for ages six to nine, and ages 10 to 16: Wheels under 10” diameter, and Wheels over 10” diameter.
For rules and regulations, go to centrewellington.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca.
Flag raising
Centre Wellington township presents the Centre Wellington amalgamation flag raising at 9:30am in Elora’s MacDonald Square.
The township also presents the Dominion Day Parade in Elora, beginning at 11am.
Dominion Day parade
The route will run from Jefferson Elora Community Centre to the intersection of Geddes and Church streets.
Centre Wellington Food Bank volunteers will be collecting non-perishable food donations along the parade route.
Anyone wishing to take part in the parade is asked to go to the community centre prior to 11am. For more information, contact Paula Sealey at the township office.
Free hot dog lunch
From noon to 1pm, the Elora Lions, in partnership with the township and Geddes Street Market will provide a free hot dog lunch in Bissell Park.
Patrons can enjoy the free lunch just in time for the Duck Races that begin at 1:30pm in Bissell Park.
Duck race
This year the Community Resource Center of North and Centre Wellington (CRC) will be running the Duck Race in partnership with the township and Zehrs Fergus.
“The Rotary Club used this fundraiser to raise money to donate back to local community initiatives, and the CRC will carry on that same tradition,” said CRC coordinator of community engagement and fund development Ali Kane-DeClaire.
Over 1,000 rubber ducks are numbered to correspond with purchased tickets, then launched over the walking bridge at Bissell Park.
First, second and third place ducks to reach the finish line win a $500 Elora Home Hardware gift card, a $250 Zehrs Fergus gift card, and a local experience valued at $100 respectively.
Zehrs has also donated $2,500 to support the race.
Kane-DeClaire said there are 25 volunteers involved in the race, and that they will collect all ducks from the river after the race.
Visit CRC on Facebook and Instagram for purchasing locations and times, and to purchase online.
“We anticipate a large audience at Bissell Park, but for anyone who cannot attend in person, they can still purchase tickets and we will contact them if they are a winner,” Kane-DeClair said.
Cupcakes and DJ Spenny
The township will be in Bissell Park hosting ‘CW Amalgamation Cupcakes and Music by DJ Spenny’ from noon until 1:30pm.
Entertainment and face painting
The Rotary RAGAS (Rotary Action Group Against Slavery) eClub host celebrations at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex in Fergus from 7 to 9:30pm.
The soon-to-launch RAGAS club members are “thrilled to be getting ready to enjoy our first day volunteering in our local community on Canada Day,” said Rotary RAGAS Canadian coordinator Barb Lustgarten-Evoy.
Join in the festivities with face painting and henna hand painting.
Enjoy Bollywood dancing and entertainment by the Seva Spirit Foundation.
Music and fireworks
The township will also host events at the Sportsplex starting at 7pm with music by Paul Whitaker.
The Groovy Grilled Cheese Food Truck will be at the Sportsplex.
The township’s fireworks show at the Sportsplex begins at 9:30pm.
Everyone is invited to join in the festivities.
“It’s about fostering a sense of belonging and community spirit that resonates long after the fireworks have faded,” Sealey said.
Go to centrewellington.ca/canadaday for more information.
Elora celebrations
7am: Pancake Breakfast
8am: Soap Box Derby
9am: Flag Raising
11am: Dominion Day Parade
Noon: Free Hot Dog Lunch
Noon: Cupcakes and Music
1:30pm: Duck Race
Fergus celebrations
7pm: Bollywood Dancing, Face Painting, Henna Hand Painting
7pm: Music and Fireworks
