by Garrett Fodor
As Canadians across the country celebrate the nation’s 151st birthday, a local celebration took place at Essex United Church.
On Sunday, Essex United Church hosted its fourth annual Canada Day festivities. The event was geared to welcome all ages and was free to everyone who wanted to enjoy the event.
The sticky, hot weather did not seem to deter people from coming out to celebrate, which was a relief to the members of the parish who worked hard to offer the event to the community.
Essex United Church’s Reverend Jim Hatt said the event has had a steady crowd throughout the years.
“This is our fourth time doing the event, and I think this time around, we have a few more people out,” Hatt said. “The church is doing this for the community.” He thanked everyone for coming out and enjoying the festivities.
The activities began at 6:30, with free food and drinks, live music from local rock cover band “Bear Patrol,” inflatable castles, face painting, and lawn games. The event concluded later in the evening with a fireworks spectacle, which began shortly after 9:30.
Hatt said he and members of the parish enjoy putting on this event, which offers some fun for everyone in the community.
The Canada Day celebration winds down Essex United’s busy event calendar after hosting four recent major events. Before that busy pace once again picks up in September, Essex United will offer a free vocational Bible school for ages 5-12 from August 13 to 17. Contact the church for more information.