By Sean McIntosh
Trenton is preparing to honour local first responders at their Canada Day celebration in Centennial Park.
Canada Day’s theme in Trenton this year is a “salute to first responders,” which includes the OPP, Fire Department, EMS, nurses, and ambulance drivers, among other groups.
Colleen Vickers, special event coordinator for the Quinte West region, said that it was an important theme to choose, and that first responders deserve a lot of praise.
“They’re always giving to us, risking their lives and putting a lot on the line for us, so we just wanted to honour them,” she said.
Sergeant René Ménard, the administrative supervisor for the OPP in the Quinte West region, said that it is important for the community to celebrate the work of the first responders in the area.
“It’s not just the OPP, but all first responders. It’s important for everyone to be in support,” he said.
There are going to be between 80,000 and 100,000 people attending on
Canada Day, according to Vickers. For all of those people there are several events throughout July 1 that they can attend, beginning at 7 in the morning with a pancake breakfast.
Other activities throughout the day include a car show, a strong man competition, bands playing, and fireworks to end the day. There will also be a lot of family friendly activities during the day, including a petting zoo, a “kiddie’s corner,” laser tag, and a family movie after the fireworks.
There will also be a parade leading to Centennial Park that will arrive right at the opening ceremonies. At the parade, prizes will be handed out to those who show the most patriotism.
Vickers said it’s important it was to the Quinte West region to celebrate Canada Day as a community.
“(It gives a) sense of community pride, and gives everyone an opportunity to come together, support one another and celebrate,” she said.
She said why it’s important for individuals to show pride in being Canadian.
“We want to celebrate our uniqueness in being Canadian, and the just fact that we’re fortunate enough to live in this country,” she said.
It’s also extremely important for those locally to celebrate Canada Day because of the military ties that Quinte West holds.
“It’s hugely important, particularly in the Quinte West Region where we have a huge military community that fights for our country and freedom,” she said.
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