A huge word of thanks to our team at the Côte Saint-Luc Parks and Recreation Department for coordinating fabulous Canada Day celebrations on July 1 at Trudeau Park. Thousands of people turned out for an evening of fun and entertainment. Earlier in the day, Mayor Mitchell Brownstein, members of council, Liberal MP for Mount Royal Anthony Housefather and D’Arcy McGee Liberal MNA Elisabeth Prass presided over a Canadian citizenship ceremony.

Councillor Shuster leads us all in the national anthem.

Bravo in particular to  Parks and Recreation Director Cornelia Ziga and event coordinator Irene Lahaie, as well as co-chairs Mayor Brownstein and Councillor Andee Shuster.

The weather was picture perfect and activities were nicely spread out. Our Public Works team did their usual bang-up job in terms of setup. Public Security and VCOPS (Volunteer Citizens on Patrol) oversaw the safety aspect.  Police Station 9 Commander Stéphane Desroches, whom we are so fortunate to have within our midst, was present throughout the event as were several of his officers as well as some police on horseback.

With Commander Desroches.

I thoroughly enjoyed walking through the park and catching up with people.

On stage we had the band Vintage Wine  and kids singer Shawny perform while The Event Guy, a group of animators and deejays, kept the crowd pumped up all evening. The cast of the Côte Saint-Luc Dramatic Society’s Into The Woods also shared their musical talents.

Louna applies the makeup.

In terms of activities, wristbands were sold for $5 each proving access to the many inflatables. Proceeds went to our Parks and Recreation Bursary Fund, which assists low income families gain access to some of our programming through discreet financial assistance.

The kids loved the inflatables.

Turtles, snakes and much more were on display via Reptizoo. There  was a magician, makeup and crafts by Louna, carnival games by Diane  Jamison of Bear Production, the always popular train, a petting zoo, a firetruck to explore,  a slime workshop by day camp staff and pedal boats.

Veronica Alberti's ice cream and sorbet is fantastic!

As for food vendors we had:  Dominos (and thanks for the 50 free pizzas they provided for staff and volunteers); TCBY (which supports our swim team); the kosher pizza bar, kosher Deli Boyz, Café Aqua, Falafel St Jacques, Subway, Mark Bessner and his cotton candy machine and the wonderful local resident Veronica Alberti with her  artisanal ice cream and sorbets.

Introducing my good friend Rob Singer (left), now of Toronto, to Anthony Housefather.

At the end of the evening the mayor and Councillor Shuster brought Housefather, Prass and members of council to the stage. Following some speeches, we all sang O Canada so loudly I am sure Premier Legault could hear it in his Outremont home.

A look at the laser show.

The event concluded with a spectacular laser show.

It was indeed a day to celebrate and to once again be proud to be living in Côte Saint-Luc.