Community comes together to celebrate Canada Day

Community members have banded together with very short notice to celebrate Canada Day.

After noting a lack of daytime activities in the city on July 1, Piper Farrell put together a Facebook group for an event. She got to work, setting up a space for anyone who wanted to volunteer for a family-friendly event.

“While I was reading all these negative comments, I was like, why doesn’t someone do something about it? I made a post hoping someone would take charge,” said Farrell. “I kind of just went with it.”

Her father jumped in to help as well, and people from all over town have stepped up to help since Saturday, June 29,

“I can’t believe how fast this is coming together and the great support we are getting from community members,” said Dave Farrell in an event update post on Facebook.

Things moved quickly, and by Sunday, multiple businesses and performers were on the event's schedule.

“It might not be perfectly organized, but it’s something,” Farrell said. “We’re at 514 people already, and we only opened the group yesterday.”

The team from Aquatics and Exotics is providing entertainment and music from SKINNY, along with some scaly friends for a meet-and-greet.

Other musical acts that have volunteered their time are local gospel artist Stan Campsall and a session of karaoke with Marce Tambeau.

Climb and Fun will have Z-tag on site, and there will be free face painting.

Community members are encouraged to bring whatever they can to add to the event, whether it be games, blankets, or just showing up dressed in red, white, or orange.

Organizers request a donation to the Timmins Food Bank to support the event, but free hot dogs, hamburgers, and water will be available around 3 p.m.. Farrell’s company, Piper’s Cakes and Creations, will also offer free cupcakes.

While the pace of things coming together has been incredible, Farrell said there are hopes to plan something similar with a little more lead time for next year. She said the outpouring of support has been mind-blowing.

“It’s all donation-based,” she said. “It seems to be kicking off really well, and everyone seems like they’re going to be respectful and supportive.”