By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
For a second year, the Municipality of Port Hope is planning a modified Canada Day celebration with a variety of virtual, self-guided, inventive and COVID-safe programming for the local community.
“We cannot host our parade, party in the park or fireworks display, but we know that having a Canada Day celebration is our tradition and so rather than cancelling festivities altogether, we invite the community to join in with various options to mark the holiday safely,” Mayor Bob Sanderson said in the announcement.
The full itinerary can be found on the municipality’s Canada Day website. Highlights include a self-guided Canada Day hike, a Canada Day photo challenge, a pick-up pancake breakfast (sponsored and co-ordinated by the Rotary club of Port Hope), outdoor yoga in the park (limited to 10 persons per group), a pre-recorded concert by local fan favourite Storm the Palace, a goat yoga session (maximum of 10 people) at Haute Goat Farm, outdoor mini-putt at the Town Park Recreation Centre fields (pre-registration required, maximum of five people), horse-drawn wagon rides through downtown Port Hope, and a pre-recorded educational video from Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue Centre.
As well, a variety of authentic Port Hope Canada Day merchandise designed by local creators Jeff + Luke will be available.
Residents are also encouraged to follow along on Facebook to share in the community experience and stay up-to-date with announcements about the program.
Please note that pre-registration is required for all in-person activities and spaces are limited due to current provincial guidelines.
Celebrating together on July 1 is a long-standing Port Hope tradition, and the municipality thanks its partners and sponsors for their on-going support and commitment to help modify the holiday experience to keep everyone connected as friends, neighbours and Canadians.
“While July 1 celebrations are a tradition for many, we also acknowledge that Canada Day is not all commemorated by all in our country,” Sanderson commented.
“May we pause and reflect on the origins of our land and the importance of maintaining the unique heritage and culture of First Nation, Inuit and Métis peoples. We recognize the historical and ongoing discord between Canada and our Indigenous communities, and the work that needs to be done by all Canadians on a path to shared reconciliation.”
For more information, videos, and activities for Canada Day, visit //porthope.ca/canada-day.
