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Amherstburg celebrates Canada’s 159th birthday

People march in a park carrying military and Canadian flags; a yellow flag reads Fort Malden, Bancroft, on a sunny day.
The Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157 colour guard led Amherstburg town council into the opening ceremony in King’s Navy Yard Park last Wednesday evening.
Historical reenactors fire a cannon in a leafy park, white smoke billowing as people in period uniforms and dress stand nearby.
Canada Day festivities at Fort Malden National Historic Site of Canada included cannon firing demonstrations from the Fort and the Provincial Marine.

White and gold fireworks burst over dark water at night, with bright reflections and smoke near the horizon.
Canada Day in Amherstburg concluded with fireworks over the Detroit River.

Patriotism was on full display in Amherstburg on Canada Day.


A full day of activity occurred in the town’s downtown core to celebrate the country’s 159th birthday, starting with the Canada Day 5K Run, Walk and Wheel and ending with the fireworks over the Detroit River.


In between, Toddy Jones Park was busy during the day with children getting a closer look at town-owned vehicles, getting an extra douse or two of water in the splash pad thanks to the Amherstburg Fire Department, field hockey games with the Amherstburg Admirals, dancing by the Rivertown Dance Academy, cupcakes, facepainting, food trucks and more.


Later in the day, the opening ceremonies were held in King’s Navy Yard Park with the Royal Canadian Legion Fort Malden Br. 157 colour guard leading in members of Amherstburg town council. 


Mayor Michael Prue welcomed the crowd and thanked everyone for being there. He pointed out Heritage Canada for helping to fund the activities, sponsors including James H. Sutton Funeral Home and J&J Marine, the latter supplying the barge from where the fireworks were launched from. He added the town’s gratitude for all who supported the Canada Day festivities in Amherstburg.


The barge was parked in front of King’s Navy Yard Park, with the public encouraged to go to the park as the prime place to view the fireworks from.


Two dancers in black dresses twirl barefoot on grass at an outdoor festival, with tents, art displays, and spectators behind.
Canada Day events in Toddy Jones Park included performances by the Rivertown Dance Academy.

Town departments such as parks and facilities, infrastructure services, tourism and fire were also recognized.


“Thank you for making Amherstburg the best place – the best place to celebrate Canada, the best place to showcase your pride in the country and the best place to live and work,” said Prue. 


Afield hockey game with members of the Amherstburg Admirals.
Afield hockey game with members of the Amherstburg Admirals.

The mayor added while “we live in troubled times,” Canada will always fight through them.


“We will survive and be stronger than ever,” said Prue. “We’re here because we are so proud of the town and the people who live in it.


Outdoor band performs on a park stage, with guitars, drums, and microphones under trees on a sunny day.
Bethany D’Alimonte and her band.
Band performs on an outdoor stage in a park, with seated audience on the grass and trees behind.
Adam Butcher and his band were one of the musicians who performed during the event.

Bethany D’Alimonte, Adam Butcher and their respective bands provided the entertainment in the park, with the fireworks starting promptly at 10 p.m.

Amherstburg celebrates Canada’s 159th birthday

By Ron Giofu

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