Story and photos by Deborah Carr
All ages came out on Friday to play, eat, socialize and help Hillsborough celebrate the Canada Day weekend. The Artisan Village at the Wetlands Park officially opened. Then at noon, Hillsborough’s newest residents from Aleppo, Syria, - Mohammad and Montaha Khalaf and their children Rodaina, Ahmed, Alaa and Wissam - helped cut the cake at the Steeves House Museum. It was a very special moment for all and a heartfelt gesture of welcome and acknowledgement that they are now part of our local history.
All ages came out on Friday to play, eat, socialize and help Hillsborough celebrate the Canada Day weekend. The Artisan Village at the Wetlands Park officially opened. Then at noon, Hillsborough’s newest residents from Aleppo, Syria, - Mohammad and Montaha Khalaf and their children Rodaina, Ahmed, Alaa and Wissam - helped cut the cake at the Steeves House Museum. It was a very special moment for all and a heartfelt gesture of welcome and acknowledgement that they are now part of our local history.
Later, under sunny skies down at the Hank Braam Kiwanis Ballfield, the Todd Geldart Band rocked the stage and entertained the crowd for a full three hours. Todd is a local source of pride for our county. A talented musician and recording artist, songwriter and an activist, Todd reminded us through his songs the importance of supporting local agriculture and keeping it alive, and remembering the continuing sacrifice of our veterans and the scars they carry.
As Todd and his band played, and appreciative listeners tapped their feet or swayed to the music, artisans sold their wares, friends chatted, and children had their faces painted, played in the bouncy castles, or tried their skills at miniature golf.
Shane Ducommun was kept busy twisting balloon animals and shapes, and had a steady lineup of customers. A number of dueling matches with balloon swords ensued.
Shane Ducommun was kept busy twisting balloon animals and shapes, and had a steady lineup of customers. A number of dueling matches with balloon swords ensued.
(l to r) Scott Reid, Councillor Jeff Land and Deputy Mayor Jeff Jonah sample the goodies. It was a true family day, and as the sun’s rays slanted low across the fields, the crowd grew. The Hillsborough Kiwanis offered a free hot dog BBQ and Cinnamon Soul provided the beautiful Canada Day cake.
Jeff Jonah, Deputy Mayor, says that every year, the Canada Day celebrations have grown, with village council working hard to build community spirit and involvement.
This year’s event was made possible through the support of the Village of Hillsborough, Scotiabank, Cinnamon Soul, Hillsborough Kiwanis and Canadian Heritage…as well as our sister village across the Petitcodiac. The Village of Memramcook donated $750 towards our fireworks this year, as their residents enjoy them as much as our own...and this year, the show was spectacular.
Jeff Jonah, Deputy Mayor, says that every year, the Canada Day celebrations have grown, with village council working hard to build community spirit and involvement.
This year’s event was made possible through the support of the Village of Hillsborough, Scotiabank, Cinnamon Soul, Hillsborough Kiwanis and Canadian Heritage…as well as our sister village across the Petitcodiac. The Village of Memramcook donated $750 towards our fireworks this year, as their residents enjoy them as much as our own...and this year, the show was spectacular.
“For the past three years, we have added dollars to the fireworks budget,” said Jeff Jonah. “With Memramcook kicking in some funds, plus switching suppliers, we ended up with 40 minutes of fireworks although we were intending 20 to 25 minutes. We have had a lot of positive comments on our Facebook about the fireworks and the day as a whole.”
We hope Memramcook feels they got a big bang for their investment! We certainly feel that we did.
We hope Memramcook feels they got a big bang for their investment! We certainly feel that we did.
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