Canada Day celebrations took place in Grafton on Sunday June 23, 2024.
The annual celebration traditionally takes place the Sunday before Canada Day.
The days celebration kicked off starting at 1 p.m. with a parade through town to the Alnwick/Haldimand Township Community Memorial Arena.
The Alnwick/Haldimand Township Fire Department lead the parade followed by the Cobourg Legion Pipes and Drums, Town Crier Liam Cragg, Deputy Warden Mandy Martin, Alnwick/Township Mayor John Logel along with children riding colourful bicycles and a long line of tractors.
At the arena firefighters set up a obstacle course for children, bouncy castles, along with free hot dogs, and popcorn.
At 2 p.m. Town Crier Liam Cragg kicked off the celebrations inside t he arena for a number of awards.
Citizen of the Year
John Grozelle
John is an exemplary leader and has provided outsanding service and contribution to our community. A President of the Grafton legion Branch 580, he has shown excellent leadership in rebuilding the Legion post COVID into a true community gathering place. Membership has grown significantly and continues to grow with new members being sworn in almost monthly. The Branch supports numerous initiatives and local activities such as the Royal Canadian Air Force Foundation Student Scholarship Program, the Annual Poppy Campaign, Youth Education Programs, Public Speaking Contests, Sponsorship to Minor Sports Teams and let’s not forget weekly Friday Night Suppers which is open to the public. John’s continued dedication to supporting our community and rebuilding social engagement within the Legion is greatly appreciated by Council and the residents of Alnwick/Haldimand.
Jr. Citizen of the Year
Annie Kennedy
For the past two years Annie has dedicated her time volunteering at the Centreton Library and Community Centre. She has played an integral role in assisting with pop up book sales, the Christmas Craft Sale, refreshment tables, cookie decorating contests and filling Halloween goodie bags. Annie always has a smile and a willingness to help others. Her kindness has made a significant impact on the community and her commitment and enthusiasm have shown that young people can make a real difference in their community.
Outstanding Achievement in the Arts
Kerry Viggiani
Kerry is being recognized today for her skills as a visual artist and illustrator. Through the creation of her beautiful pieces of art, she is able to help spread awareness and provide first hand knowledge of the effects of brain injuries, epilepsy and migraines.
Kerry greatly contributes to the community and is always looking for ways to help out. She is a member of many local art clubs and has created a yearly hand painted ornament drive that has raised thousands of dollars for local and national charities.
Kerry’s floral work has been featured at Melt Studio Gallery at Base 31 in Picton, at Assembly Hall in Toronto, and at Pixie Blue Gallery in Mississauga.
Outstanding Community Spirit
Laurie Deviney
Laurie is an active community member and her love of her community and of her neighbours is evident in everything that she does. In her home community of Vernonville she has organized many community events such as the annual Chilli Cook-Off which brings many community members together to rekindle old friendships and forge new ones. She is a member of the Recreation, Culture and Community Development Committee where she shares her passionate spirit for community through her thoughtful and caring insights regarding community needs.
Laurie is a devoted individual who believes in the betterment of community and in doing things that nurture our connection with the people around us.
Outstanding Community Service
Ralf and Michelle Busse
The ever helpful and hardworking team of Michelle and Ralf can be found helping wherever needed to support the work of the Roseneath Agricultural Society and the Horticulture Society. Ralf and Michelle are convenors for the popular Green Thumbs Plant Sale and Ralf is a member of the District 4 Ontario Heritage Association Board.
Michelle and Ralf truly get involved from Lake to Lake as you might see them caring for Grafton Heritage Park or helping out at the Roseneath Fairgrounds. Their dedication to the beautification of our Township is a reflection of their unwavering commitment and collaborative spirit in making this community more inviting and vibrant.
After it was time to cut the cake and listen to the great music of Greg and Harry Hanna.
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
