ELORA – The Elora Firefighters Association will be hosting their annual pancake breakfast in MacDonald Square starting at 7am on July 1.
This is the 26th year the event has taken place and funds raised are directed back to the community. The non-profit organization has supported public skate events and donated to Groves Memorial Community Hospital in the past.
Using a giant custom-made skillet, firefighters will prepare more than 5,000 pancakes for attendees. The breakfast will include pancakes, sausages, and a juice or coffee for $8 per person, and there will be a debit machine on site.
Kody Kirton is one of this year’s organizers and has been involved for the past 10 years.
“Generally, we’re down there, set up and ready to go for 7am, and we wrap up once the parade gets started – usually around 11am,” Kirton said.
“If people want to come back up and reload, there usually isn’t an issue with that.”
Kirton looks forward to the event each year, and along with the rest of the crew, is thrilled to be a part of the fundraising Canada Day event.
On your mark, get set, roll – Spectators line the streets as Soapbox Derby participants prepare to head down the hill.
Soap Box Derby back on track
The picturesque town of Elora is gearing up for its annual soap box derby held in the heart of downtown along Geddes Street between David and Henderson streets.
Scheduled to take place July 1, check-in starts at 7:30am and the races get started at 8:30.
The four categories for races are:
– ages six to nine for wheels under 10 inches;
– ages 10 to 16 for wheels under 10 inches;
– ages six to nine for wheels over 10 inches; and
– senior ages 10 to 16 for wheels over 10 inches.
The race will be hosted by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Centre Wellington (BBBSCW), and executive director Brad Mulligan is hoping for sidewalks to be lined with spectators.
“The big thing is for people to come out and learn more about our programs and our fundraisers,” said Mulligan.
“We’re definitely going to have staff and board members there to share information, but it’s a really great way to celebrate community and just to start conversations around mentoring and Youth Services.”
Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers in each division and for most creative car.
“We’re still finalizing some of the details, but there will be acknowledgement for first, second, third, and then some giveaways from local businesses for participation as well,” Mulligan said.
Proceeds for this year’s event will go towards BBBSCW programming.
Marching bands and waving hands
The annual Dominion Day Parade will make it’s way through Elora beginning at 11am.
Starting at the Elora Community Centre, the parade will make it’s way through town along Geddes Street to Church Street.
The Juky 1 event is likely to draw thousands to Elora, and will feature entries by many area residents and community groups.
After more than 30 years, the parade continues connecting locals with the history of Elora and reflects times passed.
Flippin’ flapjacks – Pancakes cook on a huge skillet.
Lunch and a Show
Beginning at noon there will be a free hot dog lunch along with music, dancing and more at Bissell Park.
Stop by and watch the dancers of the Blue Bonnet Lassies School of Highland Dancing perform in the park.
Annual duck race makes a splash
Around 1,000 ducks will be launched from the pedestrian bridge in Bissell Park July 1.
Hosted by the Rotary Club of Centre Wellington, the annual duck race supports Special Needs Soccer and Big Brothers Big Sisters locally and internationally.
Additionally, they’ve supported groups in Pakistan and Somalia for flooding and famine relief.
Ducks will be available for purchase on Canada Day at MacDonald Square from 7 to 11am, and at the Rotary Club booth in Bissell Park from 11am to 1pm for $5.
Ticketholders can expect to receive a $500 gift card from Elora’s Home Hardware if their duck swims past the finish line first.
Second place takes home a $250 gift card from Zehrs in Fergus.
Rotary Club of Centre Wellington member Ron MacKinnon is one of the event organizers and is eagerly anticipating the event.
“Part of our club vision is that we are focused on supporting local and international charities and organizations to improve the lives of those in need,” MacKinnon said.
