Greater Victoria hosts several Canada Day celebrations

Thousands from across the capital region took part in a variety of Canada Day events celebrating the country’s 157th birthday.

Along the Gorge Waterway, thousands gathered for the annual Gorge Canada Day Picnic.

“It started in 1999, so this is our 24th time, we missed two years,” Chris Kask, Gorge Canada Day Picnic chair, said.

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The event featured a variety of vendors, from shopping to face painting, as well as the annual pancake picnic.

“We have a kids zone, we have 24 food vendors, we have a car show and we have a main stage as well,” Kask added.

In Langford, there was a lineup to get into the celebrations at Starlight Stadium.

The event kicked off at 10 a.m. with a pancake breakfast, and events and activities continued until 3 p.m., including face painting, a teen zone with games from Quazar’s Arcade, a hot wings contest, and live music.

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In downtown Victoria, the front lawn of the B.C. Legislature was packed with families.

Pat Hannah told CHEK News she always comes to the downtown Canada Day celebration because it’s special.

“I’m just so happy to be a Canadian and blessed for all the wonderful things we have,” Hannah said.

Rachel Tupman was celebrating the day in Victoria for the first time.

She said she loved the amount of activities the city planned throughout the day, including all the multicultural performances.

“Proud to be Canadian because of that,” Tupman said.

Events started on the front lawn at 11 a.m. with drumming. At 3 p.m., organizers gave a formal welcome followed by traditional Indigenous dancers and the national anthem.

A variety of musical performances took place on the main stage throughout the afternoon.

Those who spoke to CHEK News said they were most excited to see the scheduled drone show.

This is Victoria’s first drone display to celebrate Canada Day, lighting up the sky at 10:15 p.m.

A traditional fireworks display is set to take place at 10:22 p.m.

Special celebration

While thousands celebrated Canada Day at big events, one Saanich couple celebrated big at home.

Michael Miller’s home on Lansdowne Road is known in the area to have big decorations for every occasion.

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Canada Day was no exception as the couple dawned their home in everything you can think of to describe the ‘Great White North.’

“We’ve got a beaver, of course, for Canada, Canada goose, moose and lots of flags spread around the home,” Miller explained.

He and his wife put on these displays to bring a smile to those driving or walking by, but Miller said the Canada Day display has a very special meaning for his family.

“My wife, she became a Canadian citizen 20 years ago,” he said. “She’s from Mexico originally and this is a very important day to her. She is proud to be Canadian. Canada Day was when she became a Canadian citizen.”

Instead of celebrating her citizenship anniversary at a big celebration, the Millers decided to stay home and hand out popcorn and Canada Day flags to kids in the community.

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