It won’t be the same, but Cobourg residents are making the best of things for this years Canada Day celebrations.
Due to COVID-19, normal celebrations for the nations birthday have been cancelled.
But Cobourg is putting on a virtual version of the 2020 Cobourg Canada Day celebrations with many people and neighbourhoods participating in the Ironically Canadian Challenge.
A Kerr Street neighbourhood is taking part in The Decked Out In Canadian Spirit Challenge aimed at decking out the town in red and white. Town staff have challenged local homes and neighbourhoods to fly the Canadian flag and dress their homes in red and white.
A total of 15 houses on Kerr Street in Cobourg’s west end have taken up the challenge and dressed their homes showing Canadian pride.
As soon as resident, Anne Rawson shared the idea with neighbours everyone quickly jumped on board.
“We thought it was a great idea to have this contest and we thought it would be really fun to do the whole block up.”
With everyone showing their pride in Canada it worked out amazingly.
The group made 75-pom poms, “they took forever,” and everyone kept adding on to their homes said Rawson.
Canadian red and white colours have been spread out over the homes along the street.
The neighbours have been at it for over a week decorating their homes and Rawson says they are still going.
“Excellent community spirit and we have a very special group of people.”
Rawson moved from Toronto to Cobourg and calls the town a “jewel.”
“It’s a very special place.”
“You’re close to nature. It has everything that one could possibly ask for in a place to live.”
Judy Garden and her husband have settled in Cobourg for the last eight years after travelling to various parts of the globe. The couple proudly fly the Canadian, Dutch and English flag in front of their residence along the harbour.
“Because I’m a immigrant, I came here when I was nine – Canada means a lot to me.”
“It’s one of the best countries in the world to live in.”
Highlighting some of the things that make Canada different from the rest of the world, Garden said the tolerance for differences, the acceptance of immigrants and the diverse culture experienced everywhere.
“We call this our “feel good town” but I think Canada is a feel good country.”
The couple live along the esplanade by Cobourg Harbour and will miss the crowds and excitement of the annual Waterfront Festival.
There are three flags that fly in front of their home, the Dutch, English and Canadian flag.
“My husband is English, I’m Dutch, but we are both Canadian.”
“Cobourg is to me – everything that a small town should be.”
“We’ve travelled a lot and we’ve made more friends in the eight-years that we’ve been here, in all the 44-years that we’ve been married.”
Canadian Heritage is planning a virtual Canada Day celebration for July 1, with many opportunities to get involved – as listed on the Town of Cobourg and Experience Cobourg on-line platforms.
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
