Cold Lake’s Canada Day celebration on July 1st was a day to remember, filled with engaging activities, community pride, and reflections on the nation's history.
The festivities kicked off with a vibrant Canada Day Parade along 10th Ave, culminating at Kinosoo Beach where the opening ceremonies began at 11 a.m. Cold Lake 4 Wing added to the excitement with a dramatic flyby featuring two CF-18s during the ceremony.
“We were thrilled to have the Double Vision Magic Show, the Adventure Wranglers Reptile Show, the Kehewin Dance Theatre, Axes to Apples Mobile Axe Throwing, and family favourites like bouncy castles, sparkle tattoos, face painting, and Dan the Balloon Man,” Heather Miller, Programs and Services manager for the City of Cold Lake, said in highlighting the day's activities. “The evening entertainment featured Main Street Band and Cory Marks, capped off with a spectacular fireworks display over the water at 11 pm."
Miller emphasized the importance of showcasing local talent and bringing fresh performances to the event.
“The Reptile Show was new to Canada Day, adding an exciting twist. We love incorporating different performances to highlight the unique and amazing talent in our community and surrounding areas.”
Mayor Craig Copeland expressed pride in the community’s resilience and participation on the stage. “On behalf of the City of Cold Lake and the City council, we’re proud to have hosted Canada Day. We had a lot of activities, rain or shine.”
Copeland welcomed attendees, and Lynda Minoose a director and elder from Cold Lake First Nations provided a land acknowledgment and Elder’s Prayer, setting a respectful and reflective tone for the day.
Along with the prayer Minoose, shared insights into the significance of the land and the importance of recognizing Treaty 6. “I'd like to welcome you all to this area. This is the traditional territory of the Denesuline people and Denesuline people have been here for years and years and years, maybe even hundreds of years.”
Chief Kelsey Jacko of Cold Lake First Nations spoke about the dual nature of Canada Day. “Canada Day is a time to celebrate our land’s beauty and diversity, and also to reflect on our history. Reconciliation is about acknowledging truths, understanding colonialism's impacts, and working together for a future of mutual respect. It requires meaningful actions, policies promoting justice and equality, and a commitment to education and awareness."
Col. David Turenne of Cold Lake 4 Wing concluded the ceremony with a heartfelt speech, saying, “Today is a great day to reflect on being Canadian and how fortunate we are to gather like this. Freedom is not free, and we recognize those who have served and continue to serve to provide the freedoms we enjoy.”
