Canada Day in Milton has always held a special place in my heart and in the hearts of Miltonians. The last time it was held was 2019 and since that time it’s been cancelled because of COVID19 as well as the disbanding of the former committee. The annual event started over 25 years ago organized by a joint citizen committee that organized it as well as the Milton Santa Claus Parade – it quickly grew in size and split into two separate organizations. Many Canada Day Committee members have been volunteering for over 15 years, devoting their time and energy mostly without thanks or recognition.

Pat Rideout a committee member for 15 years and past Sponsorship Chair spoke at the last Canada Day in 2019 of the current committee retiring and passing the reins to a new generation. Shortly after she retired from the committee in 2019 she passed away on January 17, 2020 after a quick and difficult battle with cancer. Pat committed her life to improving the community and was involved in multiple organizations from Milton Santa Claus Parade, Milton Canada Day Committee, Milton Tennis Club, Habitat for Humanity and many others.

Barb Fullum I have the most memories of both from Milton Canada Day as well as from her volunteer time at the Milton Arts Centre and many other organizations. She passed away in December 2021, so the 2019 Canada Day was also her last.

Paul Scherer a lifetime Canada Day committee member and former Milton Councillor passed away in 2018. Paul was always in the background working tirelessly for both Canada Day and Milton in general.

The Halton Agricultural Society (HAG) which are the owners of the Milton Fairgrounds have taken up the reins of Milton Canada Day with the support and advice of former committee members such as Kirsten Pedersen. So this July 1st at the Milton Fairgrounds we will see Milton Canada Day reborn. It will include live musical entertainment, Midway Amusement Rides for children, the Magic of Tyler Fergus, many local bands and musicians such as Gavin McLeod and Ashley LeBlanc, food vendors, exotic animals, Steam Era machines, Sneezy the Clown and also the traditional Canada Day Cake donated by La Rose Bakery.

All of Milton is welcome to this free event (although donations are greatly appreciated and welcome at the gates) and for us to gather in celebrating both Canada and our shared history. Please remember to thank the volunteers, sponsors and committee members who come together to make this celebration possible.

Please see miltoncanadaday.ca where more information will be posted online on the full Canada Day itinerary for July 1st.

 

 

 

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