At our trailer park, our day started with a horseshoe tournament that saw 16 participants. There is nothing like a brew and the ‘ding’ of almost. Horseshoes were always a big thing for Pattison gatherings including reunions.
Later on in the evening, some 30 of us gathered in the dome for a potluck. I was asked to speak so I did the best I could on literally a moment’s notice, to think about what I was thankful for this Canada Day. Mostly, how lucky we are to live here and how all of our families at one point sought employment or refuge in this country. We are lucky to live in a place like Canada. I talked about meeting new family and friends and my appreciation for all of the volunteers that put countless hours in to ensure successful events and that our little corner of the globe is kept clean, beautiful, and functioning.
At Gage Park back in Hamilton, It’s Your Festival was happening again for the first time since COVID, with the band Chilliwack performing on the main stage this evening. Tara had stayed at the trailer with a friend and Abby wasn’t feeling well so I dropped her off, and walked over by myself. I browsed the vendors, tried a couple of food and beverage offerings, and I was able to catch around 5 songs by the time I made my way to the park.
It’s always been my favorite Hamilton festival. For one, I remember both my girls entering baby contests on Canada Day there. It’s also a multicultural festival so the food choices are vast, and although I have never been up early enough on Canada Day to catch this event, there is a Citizenship ceremony each year to open up the 3-day festival.
A photo I took of Emma on Canada Day at It’s Your Festival in 2008. She is wearing a dress that my mom and I made for her that she wore for the baby contest.
2 responses to “Horseshoes And Hendersons”
That’s cool to have the citizenship part on Canada Day!
It truly is!