Despite changes that had to be made in light of recent flooding in 琉璃神社, including postponing the popular Canada Day fireworks display, the woman in charge of organizing the city鈥檚 Canada Day celebration says she鈥檚 happy with how the event went off.
Renata Mills of Festivals 琉璃神社 said she heard from many people they liked the altered layout, which saw the event moved off the lakeshore this year.
鈥淭he community came out and seemed to have a great time,鈥� said Mills, adding unlike past years, the event did not have three 鈥済ates,鈥� so it was hard to estimate attendance numbers this year. But it was clear thousands turned out.
Due to beach restrictions鈥攕ome of which were lifted at the last moment鈥斄鹆裆玮�檚 Celebrate Canada event took place at a number of sites along Water Street, stretching from Kerry Park to Waterfront Park and Prospera Place, including Jim Stuart Park.
鈥淔rom a set-up perspective, it was great,鈥� said Mills, adding some people told her they liked the ability to walk from site to site.
But, she added, the lakeshore and beach are important assets and and will return for next year鈥檚 event.
The changes, however, did result in some welcome differences this year.
鈥淭here was a really cool vibe created by moving (a main entertainment) stage to Jim Stuart Park,鈥� she said.
And placing the youth stage鈥攚hich was in Jim Stuart Park last year鈥攊n Kerry Park, created what Mills called 鈥渁 real outdoor dance party for youth.鈥�
Meanwhile, the fireworks show that was scheduled for July 1 has been postponed to the B.C. Day long weekend in August.
