Residents gathered at Stride Place on Tuesday to celebrate Canada Day with a full day of family activities, live entertainment, community fundraisers and fireworks, as hundreds took part in the annual festivities.
Hosted by the Portage Regional Recreation Authority, the free event featured a Rotary Club pancake breakfast, opening ceremonies, live performances, a kids’ play zone, public swimming at Splash Island Waterpark and an evening fireworks display over Crescent Lake. The Bear Clan also held a fundraising barbecue throughout the afternoon.
General manager Angie Shindle said months of planning went into organizing the celebration, with staff working together to create a day that offered something for everyone.
“It takes a few months of preparation, to say the least. Lots of coordinating of events, games, entertainment, all the staff at Portage Regional Recreation Authority just stepping up and being able to get today ready for the public,” Shindle says.
Families fill the grounds
Throughout the afternoon, children enjoyed bouncy castles, face painting and games while local musicians and performers took the stage.
Shindle said seeing families spending time together was one of the highlights of the celebration.
Kids line up for the bouncy castles behind a Canadian flag PortageOnline/Matt Schroeder
“I love seeing all the families out celebrating our beautiful country, taking part in kind of all of our activities that we’ve got going on for the kids, bouncy castles, the entertainment that we have lined up, and then finishing it off tonight with the fireworks,” Shindle notes.
She added that the pancake breakfast was another successful part of the day, with proceeds supporting Stride Place.
Community connections on display
Many attendees said the celebration was about more than entertainment. It was also an opportunity to spend time together and recognize Canada’s diverse communities.
Felix Wooltornton attended with friends, bringing along a Spikeball set that quickly attracted others wanting to join in.
“I think we wanted to just have a great time, and the fact that people are willing to join us is just that much better,” Wooltornton adds.
He said the community atmosphere is what makes Canada Day meaningful.
“I think my favorite thing about Canada Day is the fact that we can celebrate as a community this, you know, Canada Day, like a country that we love,” Wooltornton continues.
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Beverly Muise shared a similar perspective, saying the event reflected what she enjoys most about Canada Day.
“Canada Day where it brings together all the people from out of Canada and make it one big family, the diversity of Canada,” Muise says.
She added that simply being part of the celebration made the day memorable.
“That I was there, present in the moment in that year and enjoyed it,” Muise notes.
Supporting the community
The Bear Clan used the celebration as an opportunity to raise funds for its local programs through a barbecue and concession.
Jane Tully said every dollar raised helps support people throughout the community.
“It all goes back into the Bear Clan. We are not funded very well and so any opportunity we have to do some fundraising we do that and in return we spend that money on water and snacks and things for people in the community that are maybe well owned or maybe in need of things,” Tully adds.
She said the welcoming atmosphere stood out during the day’s festivities.
“My favorite thing is that everybody is here and everybody is happy. It’s so nice to be in a place where there’s no dispute of any kind, and it’s just happy,” Tully continues.
Jignle dancers take to the grass as they dance in front of a crowd of many locals PortageOnline/Cory Knutt
Celebrating through music and tradition
Local performer Caitlin LeBreau opened the day by singing the national anthem, a role she has also filled during Portage Terriers games.
LeBreau said the sense of community is what makes the annual event special.
“I love the community. Seeing everybody come to celebrate Canada from Portage la Prairie, it’s just really heartwarming to see,” LeBreau says.
She also said the live entertainment remains one of her favourite parts of Canada Day.
“I really like the music and the performers that come. My favorite Canada Day had to be when they had their 150th because I was, well, younger, so I got to go in the bouncy castles and also it was just really big and really celebratory,” LeBreau notes.
A welcoming celebration
Portage MLA Jeff Bereza said the event reflected the welcoming nature of both the community and the country.
“You know what, it’s so welcoming. You know, we have so many different people here. Right now we have Indigenous dancers up dancing and the jingle dresses and just all of the regalia that they’re wearing, as well as, you know, I’ve met people here that have recently immigrated from the Philippines. Portage la Prairie is just becoming a real hub and a great place for people to come. We look at this place that we’re standing beside, Stride Place. You know, a lot of communities would love to have a place like this and we’re lucky enough to have that. And again, it’s just the warm welcoming of Portage la Prairie as well,” Bereza adds.
Portage MLA Jeff Bereza handing out cakes to celebrate Canada Day PortageOnline/Matt Schroeder
He said the positive atmosphere made Canada Day one of his favourite celebrations each year.
“So my personal favourite thing about Canada Day is just that it’s such a positive day. You know, there’s so many things going on in the world that are not always great things, but you know what, we get to celebrate here. Canada Day, it’s Canada’s birthday. Canada is such a great welcoming country and that’s what’s most important here today,” Bereza continues.
The celebration concluded Tuesday evening with fireworks over Crescent Lake, bringing another Canada Day in Portage la Prairie to a close.