A KISS tribute band rocks the Kin Coulee bandshell stage on Sunday evening during the Medicine Hat Skateboard Association's pre-Canada Day festivities. Canada Day itself was also jam-packed with activities from the Stampede grounds to Redcliff.--NEWS PHOTO ANNA SMITH
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
Despite some rain and the occasional threat of thunder, Canada Day was packed with activity throughout the city and beyond.
For the Medicine Hat Skateboard Association, the party began the night before, with a glow-stick dance and various local punk bands, as well as the bold return of fireworks to Kin Coulee Park.
“We had this beautiful glow-stick party where we curated different cultural forms of dance and music, as well as amazing local bands. And then to finish the night off with a huge firework show. It was just incredible,” said Davie James with the association.
He said he was blown away by the participation, with thousands of people coming out into the park for activities and music, from various bands, a DJ and finally, a KISS tribute band in full costume.
The party was especially touching to those who haven’t always called Canada their home, said Medicine Hat resident and Cultural Stage organizer Yusuf Mohammed.
“I think I’ve been here for 19 years. This is probably one of my favourite Canadian experiences. As a newcomer to Canada, when the fireworks were going on, ‘O Canada’ was playing, it just felt so real that this is my home,” said Mohammed.
The festivities continued Monday with a pancake breakfast, bouncy castles, games, vendors and food trucks, only a short walk away from Beat the Heat, Canada’s largest amateur skateboarding competition.
While the competition experienced some delays due to the rain, the crowds still flocked to the skate park for a day of festivities and incredible skating.
“Through rain or shine, people are coming out and we’re just so grateful. The community’s been so good, the vendors, the food trucks, just everyone has been incredible,” said James.
Across town at the Stampede Grounds, the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede had a party of its own, with kids’ activities, displays from police, fire and HALO, and booths from nonprofits – not to mention an appearance by Rodeo Royalty.
“We (brought) in Fox Worthee as a headliner, there’s The Cruisers, there’s Derek Hintz and Tim Hermann, there’s a new one called Rent To Own,” said Ron Edwards, general manager with the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede.
He explained that this event was one of the ways the organization likes to give back to the community for all its support and interest throughout the year, something that shows in the packed schedule of free entertainment present on the grounds. Stage acts ranged from Tae Kwon Do and gymnastics to an archery demonstration, while visitors were able to enjoy free hot dogs.
Redcliff, too, held celebrations on Monday, in partnership with the Redcliff Lions and Lionettes. The day saw residents spending the afternoon in Lion’s Park with their coats and umbrellas to watch a demonstration from their own White Dragon Tae Kwon Do.
The park also offered kids’ crafts and face painting, a pancake breakfast and hot dog lunch, plus a pie eating contest.
[…] As the celebrations came to a close, one thing was clear – Canada Day in Medicine Hat was more than just a day of festivities; it was a celebration of unity, diversity, and pride in our collective heritage. The spirit of togetherness and community shone brightly, reminding us of the importance of coming together to celebrate what makes us uniquely Canadian.” Reference […]
[…] As the celebrations came to a close, one thing was clear – Canada Day in Medicine Hat was more than just a day of festivities; it was a celebration of unity, diversity, and pride in our collective heritage. The spirit of togetherness and community shone brightly, reminding us of the importance of coming together to celebrate what makes us uniquely Canadian.” Reference […]