Hooliganting: July 2011

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Hooliganting: Canada Day

Hooliganting: Canada Day: "Nationalism. Pride. The Red and White. Those of us that think that we are culturally laid back and don't appreciate our heritage, look ..."

Nationalism. Pride. The Red and White. Those of us that think that we are culturally laid back and don't appreciate our heritage, look out, look back and ponder. July 1st was Canada Day and we celebrated in style. Our community has so much daylight that it begins with a bang at 12:01 am on Canada Day. For twenty minutes, my daughter and I watched the sky light up in reds, greens, blues and golds. Circles and hearts. Bangs and cracks. Glittering waterfalls, the night was loud and crystal clear. We had gone to a new spot to avoid the mayhem of the local rock concert at MacDonald Island. We found the gazebo in Thickwood, settled on a blanket and waited. Most people were walking to that spot, and had their glow sticks and terrible crowd jokes.

But then in that moment of patience before the fireworks began, it started. Just one voice, joined by many as the crowd sang happy birthday to Canada. There were no reporters. No media involvement. Nor was there any reason other than it was a birthday that should be celebrated and acknowledged. After Happy Birthday, the crowd switched gears and in loud, off key but joyfully proud voices, "O Canada" rang out across the river and into the quiet night. Smiling to myself, I leaned back and snuggled my daughter, proud to be part of such a moment.

The next morning, I skipped the parade and drove to Edmonton with family in tow. The scenery under the clear Alberta sun was beautiful. On arriving into Edmonton, we decided to check out the celebrations at Churchill Square. There were musicians and magicians. Spray painting tattoos of maple leaves and inukshuks were on every cheek and arm. I put one on my shoulder. We spent time in the craft shack making Canada Day sculptures and spent time watching the stilt dancers and the people playing in the fountain. There were artists displaying their wares and crowds everywhere enjoying the sunshine. Canada flags were waving on every corner. After soaking up that cultural moment, where it should be noted that there were people from all walks of life and every cultural background that you can imagine grinning amiably at each other, we wandered back to the hotel and wandered to the zoo. We visited the animals, saw owls and wolves, petted the sheep and waved at the elephant. More pleased faces and more cultural moments to celebrate were noted.

From there, we ran over to friends to enjoy that culturally Canadian experience of the BBQ (barbecue). Copious amounts of food with copious amounts of conversation was wonderful. The mosquitoes nibbled and welted their way into the mix but the children kept on playing. Then, as we went back to our hotel, we got caught badly in traffic and road closures. So, we parked and walked to the edge of the road and watched the Canada Day fireworks over the river valley. They were spectacular. Then, it was back to the hotel and finally slept.

Canada Day. It might not be the big event that is the fourth of July. Quieter and a bit more sedate, with footage of the royals to make life interesting. But it is that thing that is totally Canadian. There is merry making and diversity wherever you look. Parties were held just because people could and neighbourhoods joined in community hospitality. I have to admit, it is a moment that makes you proud to be Canadian.