By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
For the first time in decades, Cobourg will not be welcoming thousands of visitors for one of the nation’s biggest Canada Day celebrations due to COVID-19 precautions.
However, the town is pleased to announce a virtual version of the 2020 Cobourg Canada Day celebrations – a safe way for citizens to celebrate their national pride that includes two unique challenges that will allow citizens to have some fun and show their creative flair.
Residents of Cobourg are invited to get inspired with the two challenges announced by the Community Services Division’s Marketing and Events Department.
The Iconically Canadian Challenge recognizes Cobourg’s many talented and artistic individuals. The challenge is to create something iconic to Canada – perhaps a painting of a beautiful Northumberland landscape, a majestic animal captured in a wood carving, or an original song or poem.
“Whatever makes you proud to be a Canadian, we want to see it,” the press release invited.
The Decked Out In Canadian Spirit Challenge is aimed at decking out the town in red and white. Town staff challenge local homes and neighbourhoods to fly the Canadian flag and dress their homes in red and white.
You can enter either challenge (or both) by e-mailing a photo or video of your creation to jchapmandavis@cobourg.ca by 4 p.m. June 24. Multiple winners will be announced, and each entrant will be entered into a draw for a gift basket valued at $250. Because it is so important to support local businesses, it will include gift cards to any local business of the winner’s choosing.
A third component of the celebrations is the Community Video Compilation. Working with CCO Productions, the Marketing and Events Department will combine video footage and images submitted as part of the Iconically Canadian and Decked Out In Canadian Spirit challenges with original footage acquired by drone (operating within a safe distance) by CCO Productions) of families in front of their decorated homes to create a special Canada Day-themed video that will promote the community’s local spirit (as well as help families and neighbours feel connected at a time when they cannot be together physically).
As well, Canadian Heritage is planning a virtual Canada Da celebration for July 1, with many opportunities to get involved – as listed on the Town of Cobourg and Experience Cobourg on-line platforms.
“Canada Day in Cobourg has been a tradition in our beautiful tow for many decades now,” council’s Co-ordinator of Arts,, Culture and Tourism Adam Bureau said in the press release.
“Our new virtual format will still bring our entire community together, for residents to enjoy and share our special bond of living in one of the greatest countries in the world and celebrating our freedom, values and diversity.”
The Town of Cobourg Virtual Canada Day challenges have been made possible by the Government of Canada.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
