The City of Nanaimo is preparing for Canada Day festivities, and all that’s needed now is the active participation of patriotic community members.
There are a lot of moving parts and assistance from the community makes events, like Canada Day celebrations possible, says Chelsea Barr, parks and recreation department communications clerk.
That includes Columbia Bakery, which has donated the Canada Day cake for more than 25 years. Having an active life isn’t only about getting exercise, she said.
“Not [everything] is about taking care of yourself and your health,” says Barr. “It’s just as important as having a healthy community and an active community and active meaning involved and contributing in different ways.”
Rolf Hesser, Columbia Bakery owner, says the strawberry shortcake measures four feet by eight feet with diplomat cream filling. The recipe has not changed over the years, it includes 300 eggs and is valued at about $1,000. It is made to resemble a Canadian flag and it is for everybody to enjoy.
“I’m an immigrant and I did very well in Canada and I’m very thankful and it’s just my [way of giving back],” says Hesser, when asked about why he donates the cake.
It usually takes half-an-hour before all the pieces of cake are all gone, said Hesser.
In addition to the cake, there will be plenty of activities for people and families to take part in on Canada Day, says Barr.
“The ceremony of flags happens first and then the cake is shortly after that, so come early for the cake and then there will be some entertainment,” Barr says. “This year’s main stage [headliner] is Wunderbread and then Little Crow will be on stage, as well as Moonshine Mollys. Then there’s also the community stage with various dancers… then there’s going to be a section where the community will come and they’ll have interactive booths. One of the requirements is that they make it fun and exciting and interactive for the kids, so they’ve got those set up.”
There will also be bouncy castles and even vendors from the Bowen Road farmers’ market will be on hand.
The Canada Day celebration in Nanaimo takes place at Maffeo Sutton Park on July 1 and goes from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
reporter@nanaimobulletin.com
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