‘We weathered the storm and made it through,’ say organizers of storm that left damage in its wake and most of the city without power for more than two hours
A vicious late-afternoon storm put a damper on Canada Day for many in Orillia on Wednesday.
Packing gusts of winds, sheets of rain and thunderous claps from above, the storm was brief but intense.
Power was out throughout the city in the wake of the storm which hit Orillia at around 5 p.m.
The storm sent those enjoying the festivities at Couchiching Beach Park scrambling for shelter.
But the show will go on.
According to a social media post from the local Canada Day committee, the festivities resumed at around 7 p.m.
“We weathered the storm and made it through,” noted the post.
“Most food vendors are operating in the food vendor village along with the food trucks by the midway,” noted the post.
And, perhaps most important to many, tonight’s fireworks are a go. They are expected to blast off at about 9:45 p.m.
“We highly recommend you bring lawn chairs or a waterproof backed blanket to watch the fireworks as the park is wet,” says the post.
If you have any photos of local damage, please send them to [email protected]