(Dreamstime photo)

By Pete McIntyre

July 1

Canada Day going ahead on the Westside

Jun 28, 2021 | 1:20 PM

Canada Day celebrations have not been cancelled on the Westside, but residents are being encouraged to reflect on the country’s past and to wear orange in support of Indigenous communities.

While some cities have decided to cancel Canada Day after the discoveries of unmarked graves at residential schools, Canada Day festivities, with COVID-19 regulations in mind, will still go ahead as planned according to Leah Thordarson, President of the Westside Celebration Committee.

“The Westside Celebration Society is a not for profit group run by volunteers who love our community. For over 50 years this organization has always attempted to be the bridge between Westbank, West Kelowna, Westside, Regional District, the City of West Kelowna and Westbank First Nation.”

“We did consider cancelling, however, we want this year to be about acknowledging that we must do better. We want a Canada that is equitable, inclusive, safe for all and celebrates diversity. As such our theme for 2021 is “Celebrating Canadian Ethnic Diversity” said Thordarson.

On Thursday July 1 from 3 pm – 5 pm at Westridge Shopping Centre, located at 2484 Main Street in West Kelowna, the volunteer committee will host a Drive-Thru Cupcake Station with Special Dignitaries and Guests passing out delicious treats.

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“In honour of the children who did not make it home from residential schools, their families and all survivors, we will be placing an orange heart on each cupcake and encourage attendees to wear orange – a visual reminder that all children have rights, deserve to be loved and that every child matters” said Thordarson.

The event will also feature a mini Show and Shine plus musical entertainment performed by local students from Mount Boucherie, George Pringle and Constable Neil Bruce schools. A team of Telus staff and volunteers will also provide free ice cream.

Reflecting on past years, Thordarson says we have always come together to celebrate and partnered with the Westbank First Nations.

“From inspiring us with traditional dancing to teaching demonstrations and blessings from Elders, their involvement is part of what makes Canada Day in our community so special,” Thordarson said. “It is our hope that we continue to share their stories and celebrate their heritage whenever we have a chance, especially during Canada Day celebrations.”

Celebrate Canada Day and Westside Daze 2021 is mostly a Virtual Festival this year. To see a full list of events, please visit www.WestsideDaze.com – check out the online concerts, month-long contests plus a special section for the kids and don’t forget to check out our wonderful sponsors that allow this volunteer-driven organization to host our annual Free Family Festival!