First ever Fall River Canal Days celebration exceeds expectations

The first ever Canal Days celebration was held in Fall River on July 1, and it was such a huge success that organizers are already planning next year’s festival!

Among the events held, was a church breakfast, a canoe tour on Lake Thomas, and a fishing derby. There was a children’s art show/community mural painting held at the Open Gate in Fall River, as well as an arts exhibition and logo design presentation held at Advantage Frame in Fall River, where Emma Van Leer was presented with a cheque for her winning logo,.  A fun dog show was held at the old Fall River Rec. Centre and drew many spectators and participants.  Live musical entertainment for the day was provided by a number of groups, and was played  from the gazebo located at the Gordon R. Snow Community Centre in Fall River. There was a baking contest, a pre-teen dance, and an adult dance held as part of the festival as well. And of course we can’t forget the fireworks, which many people have described as absolutely spectacular, rivaling even the displays put on in Halifax and Bedford.

Councillor Barry Dalrymple attended, and he was very happy with the success of the community event. “I really want to thank the entire Canal Days Board for the work over the past 6 months, the fundraising and the planning and all the effort that went into an extremely successful weekend,” said Dalrymple.  “We started this group back in January and all of us spent tremendous time and energy raising the monies needed, and planning and co-ordinating.  The HRM contributed $6,250.00 in one grant application and I used about $5,000.00 of my Capital Fund to put power to the Rec Centre gazeebo to let the bands and musicians play. Scotiabanks matching funds grant for the wine & cheese was a huge boost.”

The councillor says he is getting a lot of positive feedback about the Canal Days event. “I have had many many messages and comments about how well everything went,” said Dalrymple. “Every single person I spoke to said that while they enjoyed many aspects of the week-end, the Sea King performance and the fireworks display in particular were way beyond their expectations.”

Organizers spent a lot of time preparing for the first Canal Days Festival, but according to those who attended, the efforts of the planners was not wasted – the Canal Days festival was a wonderful event! In fact, the Canada Day celebration was so successful that plans are already underway for next year, with the hopes it will be even bigger and better!

“We are very pleased with our first Canal Days celebration,” said committee co-chair Sandra Carr. “I’d like to thank everyone who came out to enjoy the day, as well as all of the many people who helped with the planning and who worked at the various activities. Without you, Canal Days would not have been possible. Thanks again, and we look forward to a bigger and better Canal Days next year! Please keep in touch via our website.”

For more information and lots more fun photos of the day and the events, please visit the Fall River Canal Days website at www.fallrivercanaldays.ca