Kamloops celebrates Canada

Jul 4, 2016 | 11:44 AM

KAMLOOPS — July 1st, 1867. A new nation was founded, out of former British and French colonies. As we approach a century and a half of nationhood, Canada Day is a chance to reflect on the history which has shaped our nation, and the people who inhabit it; while there is much still to be done, including reconciling the treatment of First Nations across the country, Canada Day is also an opportunity to celebrate, which is just what Kamloops did on Friday.

Despite less than ideal weather, thousands of Kamloops residents and visitors flocked to Riverside Park on Canada Day to take in the annual celebration of our nation. The weather tied in nicely to one of Jacob Shraepel’s songs.

“I actually wrote [Summer Rain] while watching a storm come on, so now whenever it rains I get the urge to play it.”

At the east end of Riverside Park, the Annual Art in the Park festival brought local artists and musicians together with the crowds to showcase the creativity of Kamloops. while the west end and Rotary Bandshell hosted Folkfest, a chance for people to celebrate the diversity which exists within our community.

Nicola Tabata took part in the Folkfest performances with the Raiden Taiko Drummers.

“Canada Day is a really fun performance,” Tabata told CFJC Today. “It’s our 12th consecutive year doing it… it’s really fun to come back each year with some old pieces, some new pieces, and sort of just share our culture with the rest of Kamloops.”

The Rocky Mountain Rangers also had a display set up, showcasing their rich history of helping shape our country

“The Rocky Mountain Rangers is a Kamloops regiment,” Major Amadeo Vecchio explained. “During World War II, we had different companies within the interior of BC, but present date, our regimental HQ and our remaining company is in Kamloops. [Attending Canada Day at Riverside Park] kind of builds our community relations and reaffirms who we are.”

While red and white clad revellers took in the sights and sounds (and taste) of Canada; some also took time to reflect on what living in Canada means to them.

For Vecchio, “It means… we can walk in freedom, enjoy each others company, and enjoy the quality of life Canada gives us. It’s second to none.”

According to Tabata, “To be Canadian to me, means that even though we’re from different places, we try and be welcoming and [open], and form a cohesive culture out of mutual respect for everyone else’s culture.”

And for Shrapnel, “I think actually being a Canadian, for me, probably means standing up for the little guy, standing up for what’s right, and just being a good person.”

The night was capped off by the annual fireworks display.