Aaron Seymour smiles as his son, excited four-year old Tucker, digs into his cake served by McBride members of the OAPO. /ANDREA ARNOLDBrayden, Everett and Hailey show their Canadian pride as they enjoy the sun and fun in Steve Kolida park in McBride. /ANDREA ARNOLDA parade, canoe races, sandcastle building and nail pounding contests were just some of the things people from Blue River, Clearwater, Valemount and elsewhere did at the Blue River Canada Day festivities last Friday. /LAURA KEIL
Chance Wynne (blue hair), Grayson Onslow (orange shirt), Richard Onslow (yellow), Luke Preston (black hat) and others celebrate their win at Blue River’s Canada Day sandcastle building contest. Barb Quinn was the contest judge and organizer Kasey Quinn announced the results. /LAURA KEILFreya gets a little face art to kick off her Canada Day celebrations in McBride. /ANDREA ARNOLDHarper and Kleo were unusually well-staffed at their new business at the Valemount Canada Day events, thanks to their friends. The twins have launched their cold summer treat business thanks to this Dickie Dee cart bought in Hinton. With the money they earn, they hope to buy a horse and a laptop. /LAURA KEILL-R Lee Onslow, Kasey Quinn and Rhauna Mackenzie were the top nail pounding contestants in the ladies category. “At the end of the day it’s about the kids and getting together and the excitement,” said Quinn, who organized the event. That’s what matters the most.” /SUBMITTEDKaia, 1.5 years old, attended her very first Canada Day celebrations (there was no event last year due to COVID-19). She is the only Canadian in her family thus far, her dad being Slovenian and her mom American. /LAURA KEILPrabh and Jessi were popular people at Blue River’s Canada Day’s events as they doled out cotton candy. The local business owners recently bought the machine for their businesses and decided to bring it to the festivities. /LAURA KEILThe youngest group of children kicked off the kids games hosted by the McBride and District Public Library and Whistle Stop Gallery, with a sack race. Bow, Forrest, Marcella and Brody try to maneuver themselves down the course as their parents look on. /ANDREA ARNOLDSofia did a fantastic job handing out Canada Day flags at the celebrations at the sportsplex on Friday. Talented musicians, delicious cake, and happy people made for a wonderful event. /LAURA KEILAshton slid across the finish line in the canoe race followed by his dad Ryan Mackenzie and fellow paddler Zane. They crossed Eleanor Lake in under 7 minutes. /LAURA KEIL
