Canada Day – Cake and Conversation by Joe Preston, Mayor of the City of St. Thomas Hey! It’s Dominion Day! I don’t remember it being called CANADA DAY until our centennial year in 1967, and even then, most called it Dominion Day. July 1st, the start of summer vacation, family time and trips. As a member of a large family and having many aunts and uncles, with loads of cousins, the summer meant visits and visiting. Huge family picnics with the best pies ever (Thanks, Gramma). These were the kind of gatherings that lasted all day, including three-legged races, egg tossing, sack racing, baseball, and so much fun seeing cousins you hadn’t seen since Christmas. Always at the family farm with the adults gathered around talking and us kids sneaking off to the barn to visit the animals, or off to the woods to play tag or explore. Large families ensure you are never lonely. I remember large events at local parks or neighbourhood hockey events put on by all the dads -- fireworks, some that never did go off, some that just fizzled and of course, the obligatory ‘Burning Schoolhouse’. We learned much Canadian history in school, so Dominion Day was a celebration of the founding of Canada; Sir John A Mac Donald; the building of the National Railway; The fur trade, all so exciting to read and dream about, envisioning our pioneer beginnings and living it through our imagination through books. My biggest memory was the build-up to our Centennial Year. I was 12 in 1967, a special school year -so much learning about our country and its roles in two World Wars, our founding from British roots and many other immigrant countries. The Centennial year was great. Special songs for Canada and Ontario. ONTARIARYARYO. Much practice went into the readying of our Centennial events. I was in a school gymnastics demonstration … no laughing now-- red shorts, white shirts. All-day events everywhere. I have always loved Canada Day, but never as much as in my time as a Member of Parliament. Always a very busy and long day, trying to be in as many places as possible -- always in Southwold the evening before Canada Day with a great time and a cake cutting (more about cake cutting later). Starting Canada Day with a very early pancake breakfast in Dorchester (don’t get put in charge of the syrup or you are sticky all day); serving sausages is best. Then off to Port Burwell for a Canada Day Parade, riding in the back of a convertible, tossing candies along the way. The only speeding ticket I ever got in Elgin was me rushing from Dorchester after staying a little too long talking, and then driving too fast through LYONS. Oh, Oh: flashing lights! Next was on to Port Stanley to the Legion for a short Parade over the bridge and a cake cutting. Always with the bright red icing that An aromatic alternative to scented candles Fragrance LAMPE BERGER Now at Jennings Journey back to your childhood By Staci Rae Stepping through the door of Dark Matter Toys and Collectibles is like stepping back in time. Whether you grew up in the 70s, 80s, or 90s, you are sure to wax nostalgic upon entering this unique store. I defy you to walk into the store and not say, “I remember those!” or “I had that as a child!” I don’t think it can be done. Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of toys, collectibles, vinyl, video games and more from the past. The collection features
Dark Matter Toys and Collectibles celebrates their 3rd anniversary July 27th! 12 Years of incredible Canada Day celebrations. Always busy, always long. But I would not trade any of my time as Member of Parliament for anything. Now my last six years as Mayor have been a little less hectic, but no less fun. HAPPY CANADA DAY! A quick run into St. Thomas -- time to change the cake- stained shirt, then off to West Elgin for a quick visit. Late afternoon, Dutton: great entertainment and even better conversation. Getting tired now, but only one place left to go: ST. THOMAS. Off to Pinafore Park for, you guessed it … a cake cutting -- and some great speeches and fun conversation. Ending the day with a spectacular Fireworks show. left your hands that colour for the rest of the day … how patriotic! Next was a run into Lambeth and London for events at White Oaks Park. More cake cutting. Yes, cake was the main meal on Canada Day.
pieces mostly from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, with some pieces from the 60s and the 2000s as well. Whether you were into WWF wrestling, Strawberry Shortcake, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Batman, Star Wars, or GI Joe, Dark Matter has something to help you scratch that nostalgic itch. “It’s a place of joy and happiness and awesomeness!” says owner Craig Lawrence enthusiastically. Craig is a big kid at heart, and his passion for bringing childhood memories back for his customers shows in everything he does. “I love bringing joy to my customers,” he says. “Helping them to relieve experiences, hearing their stories – that’s why I do this.” Craig is also a big believer in giving back to his community, and he strives to be engaged in the community in as many ways as possible, whether it’s through participation in Free Comic Book Day or by creating an eye-catching float for the Santa Claus Parade each year. For Craig, it’s not the monetary value of a piece that is the most important thing. “I’m happy to see odd things come in,” he says. “Something doesn’t have to be valuable to be awesome!” Craig is always looking for items to buy for the store as well, so if you have some vintage toys or collectibles collecting dust in your basement, bring them in. “Everyone’s welcome,” says Craig. “I love this town and I hope they support me like I support them.” Dark Matter Toys and Collectibles is located at 127 Ross Street.
Diffusers A Parisian perfumery
SUNDAY JULY 3, 2022 3pm 55 Walnut Street Please join Mayor Joe Preston, the city council, Elgin County Municipal Mayors and councils, The Elgin Regiment, members of the Court, the Police Department and Fire and Rescue as we reflect on our past, and anticipate our future. Please join our Mayor and city and County Council members, religious leaders of all faiths, Police and Fire departments as we reflect on our past, and ponder our future. Guest speaker: MP Karen Vecchio Guest Speaker to be Announced SUNDAY JULY 7, 2024 3pm 55 Walnut Street SUNDAY, JULY 13, 2025 3pm 55 Walnut Street
with a large selection of sophisticated designs.
Jennings furniture & design Since 1885
FOUNDERS DAY CIVIC SERVICE AT The Old St. Thomas Church
432 Talbot Street • St. Thomas Open 7 days • www.jenningsfurniture.com
Hometown St. Thomas • June 2025 • Page 45 To advertise here, please contact Geoff@villagerpublications.com
Page 16 Hometown St. Thomas • June 2019
Get involved! Like us on Facebook!
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs