REGINA - The public literally couldn't wait to celebrate Canada Day festivities in Regina
It was the first time in three years that Canada Day activities are a go, with the previous two years cancelled due to the pandemic.
A number of activities went ahead at Wascana Centre, with the day starting this morning with a free pancake breakfast served up by several of the area's prominent elected representatives including MPs and MLAs.
Also that morning, runners were competing in Run Regina's Canada Day Run and Walk, looking to complete a five-kilometre course in Wascana Centre.
Opening ceremonies took place 12 p.m. noon with greetings from Mayor Sandra Masters, followed by several musical and entertainment acts on the main stage. Also taking place was a Strongman Competition in front of the Legislature. There was also the Family Fun Zone and plenty of food vendors.
Government House had its own Canada Day event for the first time in three years as well, billed as the Lieutenant Governor's Multicultural Celebration. It kicked off at 1 p.m. with the Chinese Lion Dancers from Kung Fu Regina, followed by a wide range of entertainment and activities running until 4 p.m. Canada Day.
Other events were scheduled at various other venues in the city as well. The day will end with fireworks over Wascana Lake.
In general, people were enthusiastic about the Canada Day events, with the events at Wascana and at Government House lacking some of the drama seen at some other events across the country, such as in Ottawa where more protests over vaccine mandates were planned.
Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport Laura Ross told reporters that people from all cultures had come through Wascana that day, including people who were just sworn in as new Canadians.
"We're celebrating Canada," Ross said. "Canada is one of the best countries in the world, and when you ask newcomers they'll tell you that. It's incumbent upon us to celebrate Canada, and really share, especially with our newcomers the value that we have as Canadians to be able to share with them."
Mainly, the general mood was that people were happy to be able to get to celebrate Canada Day events again.
"People are excited, you can just tell by looking at them. They wanted to get out, they wanted to celebrate, and what perfect day is Canada Day."
