Written By David Gomez
STRATHROY — Families spread out lawn chairs and picnic blankets across the Gemini Sportsplex grounds on the evening of June 30 as Strathroy-Caradoc’s volunteer-run Canada Day celebration returned with a larger lineup of live entertainment, more food vendors and another crowd-pleasing drone and fireworks finale.
The free community event opened at 6 p.m., drawing residents to a night market, food trucks and live music before concluding with a synchronized drone show by Pixel Sky followed by fireworks. The illuminated drones painted images across the night sky, including Canadian-themed displays, and messages celebrating both Canada Day and Strathroy, earning enthusiastic reactions from the crowd.
Organizers expanded the event following last year’s successful debut.
“Last year we had not as much music,” organizer Daniel Kiekens said before the celebration. “We’ve got three or four different bands this year. We have about nine different food vendors, where last year we only had the Lions barbecuing, so entertainment has been ten times, food has been ten times, [and] the fireworks show will be bigger and better.”
The celebration was again held on June 30 rather than July 1, a decision Kiekens said helps stretch the event’s budget.
“The price is cheaper, and it allows us to do more for the community,” he said.
Community support also continued to grow. Instead of relying on a single title sponsor, this year’s celebration attracted a broad range of businesses and organizations, including Mainstreet Credit Union, Ricco Foods, Firefield Landscaping, Norbec, Gray Ridge Eggs, Langs Bus Lines, the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc and many other local partners that helped keep admission free.
As in its inaugural year, proceeds from parking, donations and other event fundraising will support the Ontario Student Nutrition Program through VON, helping provide meals for local students.
Kiekens said the organizing committee remains grateful for the community’s continued support.
“Thanks for supporting the town and showing your pride in Canada Day, and what Strathroy has to offer,” he said.
