Reconciliation event also planned

Municipalities in Central Lambton are gearing up for another pandemic Canada Day.

While some municipalities are hosting events which follow COVID-19 pandemic protocols, many of the popular Canada Day traditions are being set aside as the province continues to ease into the reopening of the economy after a long shutdown.

And it seems the only place to see a large live fireworks display is Alvinston.

Petrolia is getting ready for a second pandemic Canada Day. But there is a hope there may be an in person celebration come September.

In Petrolia, the day starts with a Flag Raising at Petrolia Legion at 11 am. Organizers are asking people to gather in their cars or small groups of 10 to watch.

The Legion is also hosting a Canada Day Barbecue with orders placed in advance at 519-882-1201.

The town’s community services committee has also set up a Canada Day Wild Goose Chase from 10 am to 1 pm. You can download the free GooseChase app on your smart phone and then choose from five different scavenger hunts including Petrolia Culture and Curiosities, Sports, Petrolia History Mysteries, Kids Fun and Be One with Nature.

The committee suggests decorating your car or bike with red and white while you do the tours.

From 1 pm to 4 pm, listen for the Canada Day Party Wagon as it makes its way around Petrolia handing out a Canada Day Family Fun Pack.

Petrolia’s Fishing Derby, sponsored by the Lambton Central Petrolia Optimist Club, will start Canada Day. Kids are encouraged to catch a fish, take a photo with the measuring tape visible and then release it.  The Derby will run for ten days starting July 1 through July 11.

The day caps off with a virtual fireworks show. You can download the Hub App by ‘snapd’ for the free display starting at 9:30 pm.

Dave Menzies, director of facilities and community services, says that while Canada Day events will be virtual, the organizers are hopeful provincial gathering limits will allow a bigger celebration by the Labour Day weekend.

“We are ready to go ahead when larger groups are permitted to gather. We are asking that you save the dates of September 3, 4 and 5 and watch for an announcement in August,” he says. The town hopes to hold Rock the Park and a fireworks display.

In Brooke-Alvinston, the Canada Day Committee has altered some of its most popular events to fit with the pandemic protocols.

The chicken dinner will be a drive thru event. There will be a car rally this year instead of events at the local arena. Both events require preregistration.

And for those who want to take Canada to reflect on the damage done by Indian Residential Schools set up by the federal government in the 1800s and run by religious orders until 1996, there is an acknowledgement event at Canatara Park. The event, which features First Nations speakers who will talk about the history of colonialism, starts at 7 pm. It will be live streamed on Facebook. For more information go to https://canadadaysarnialambton.ca.