Kids and bikes on a sunny day spell fun. But when there’s a bike parade led by a Mountie on stilts, plus cash prizes and cake at the finish – well, what a way to celebrate Canada Day! The bikes assembled in the Township parking lot between the Barry’s Bay Legion and the municipal offices. After registration and judging by the Opeongo Seniors who sponsored the event, the parade crossed John Street and proceeded up Stafford Street to the Opeongo Seniors Centre. Stiltwalker Luciano Lu (dressed as a Mountie for Canada day) high-fived all the bike riders who waited patiently for the judges to arrive, announce their decision and award prizes. Then everyone crossed Stafford Street to enjoy Canada Day cake at the Railway Station.
Juno Fallon and Fiona Hewis prepare for the bike parade
The parade begins (left); stiltwalker Luciano Lu greets young riders at Opeongo Seniors Centre
Prizes went to Bella Mask (#15 fourth), Alyssa Levean (#17 second), Juno Fallon (#4 third), and Alexander Lorbetskie in blue helmet (#24 first)
Canada Day at the Barry’s Bay Legion
Many young bike riders had already enjoyed the Canada Day celebrations at the Legion where the crowds greatly exceeded last year’s. Hot items for 2019 included guessing games, slot car races, creations by Balloons Beyond Belief, face painting, a bouncy castle, reptiles from Little Ray’s Nature Centre, Linda’s pony rides, crafts, draws and the ever-popular displays by Madawaska Valley Fire Department and Renfrew County Paramedics. Legion President Heather Poliquin said the lunch was so popular that volunteers had to replenish hot dog supplies twice. She said the Legion was gratified to see so many families out enjoying Canada Day and hoped the event would continue to grow each year.
Jackson MacFarlane (left) on the bouncy castle ; Chantal Dombroski (holding Adelia) with Delaney and Gracin (wearing maple leaf sunglasses)
John-Paul Shaw pets a rescued Sulcata tortoise held by Josh Bulgin of Little Ray’s Nature Centre; indoors Livia Bilyk races the slot-cars
Future volunteer fire fighters learn to hit targets with the fire hose; Ayman and Marah Alshhadat and children Sedrat, Mays and Imad enjoy their first Canada Day as Canadians.
