Despite the uncertain forecast, Prince George turned out in a big way for the city’s 50th Canada Day in the park celebration.
Live entertainment, cake, vendors, a food pavilion and a kids’ zone were all well attended at the opening of the event, despite spurts of rain.
Members of the Lheidli T’enneh, Prince George City Council, and other local dignitaries were all on the band shell stage to open the event.
One of them was mayor Simon Yu, who spoke with My PG Now right after his opening remarks while the cake was being cut.
He described his first Canada Day as mayor of Prince George as “emotional.”
“I came here in 1975 and attended so many Canada Day celebrations as a citizen, and today celebrating Canada Day with my citizens as a mayor, it is an emotional moment.”
Looking to the (then) clear sky, Yu laughed and added “my first Canada Day as mayor, the weather cooperates. It has to!”
Canada Day in the Park has always been run by the Multicultural Heritage Society – this is the first year the city has been directly involved.
Understandably, the day has always showcased the diversity in Prince George, and given cultures from all over the world a chance to shine.
Yu was happy to see people from “all over the world, from Ukraine, Philippines, everywhere. I am just so happy – Canada is stronger because of the diversity… they represent what Canada really is.”
“I am so happy to celebrate Canada Day on the Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park,” Yu continued. “The convergence of the two rivers now is a convergence of culture, together, through celebration. There can’t be a better place to celebrate Canada Day than here.”
Festivities will run at the park until 6:00 tonight.
The annual firework show has been canceled due to fire bans.
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