Video – Photo Gallery – Canada Day Celebrations in Cobourg

Pete Fisher
4 weeks ago
• Categories: Local, Photo Gallery

Thousands of people lined the streets of Cobourg on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 for the Canada Day Parade

A sea of red and white from fire trucks, Canadian flags, floats, dancers, the Concert Band of Cobourg and more.

Lining the streets were people donning anything with red along with children having painted Canadian flags.

Families waited along the route for the parade to pass by before heading to the Victoria Park bandshell

Kicking off the celebrations the Concert Band of Cobourg played O’Canada before a number of speakers were introduced.

In his speech, Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland spoke of many things to be grateful of as Canadians.

“Canada Day is also about what it means to each of us to be Canadian. What it means to live in a country, not forged in the fires of war, but forged in the bonds of a dedicated commitment to common goals and aims.”

But Cleveland also mentioned the dispute going on with our neighbours to the south.

“Never has Canadian patriotism meant more than this year… With the petty actions of a dictator masking as a U.S. President, we have seen our closest ally in the world become our greatest threat.”

Members of the audience applauded, both after Cleveland’s comment and his speech.

“Bravo,” one audience member shouted.

After the Concert Band of Cobourg wrapped up the ceremony with a sing-a-long of Happy Birthday before cupcakes were handed out and then entertainment took place at the bandshell.

At Rotary Harbourfront Park a Multicultural Festival took place.

Below is Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland’s speech.

Canada Day is a time of fireworks, time with family, backyard barbeques, and time with friends.

But Canada Day also is about what it means to each of us to be Canadian…. What it means to live in a country, not forged in the fires of war, but forged in the bonds of a dedicated commitment to common goals and aims.

We live in a country where we know our children and grandchildren have options, and have countless opportunities that are not bound by race, creed or colour.

Never has Canadian patriotism meant more than this year… With the petty actions of a dictator masking as a U.S. President, we have seen our closest ally in the world become our greatest threat…

We live in a country that stands for peace in the world, that stands as a beacon for democracy, that stands for something far greater than itself. Canada is a clarion all in the world for what nations should strive to be.

We live in a country that draws strength in its diversity, that to be Canadian means many different things to many different people. But in that diversity is a quiet and
unbroken solidarity.

We live in a country of such breathtaking natural beauty, such staggering awe that we are but its caretaker, not its possessor, and that we are here to be stewards for the generations to come, in protecting the abundant natural gifts we have been given.

We live in a country that is the envy of the world; a country that leads not by might, but by example…. a country that brings a balanced approach to the challenges of an always changing global stage.

We live in a country that strives to be better, that strives to care for those who may have so much less than we have, a country known for the generosity of its citizenry…. It is one of our proudest legacies.

We live in a country that calls us home, wherever we are in the world, to see a Canadian flag flying high, bringing a deep sense of pride, of hope, and most importantly, responsibility.

Let me close by saying how much I love Cobourg, how much it has given me and how much it truly means to me. Let her and all who call her home have prosperity, safety, and sanctity. I could not be prouder of our community.

On behalf of my fellow Cobourg Councillors and our Town Staff I want to wish you all a safe and happy Canada Day, with every happiness from my family to you and yours.