‘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<\/p>\n
A vicious late-afternoon storm put a damper on Canada Day for many in Orillia on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Packing gusts of winds, sheets of rain and thunderous claps from above, the storm was brief but intense.<\/p>\n
Power was out throughout the city in the wake of the storm which hit Orillia at around 5 p.m.<\/p>\n
The storm sent those enjoying the festivities at Couchiching Beach Park scrambling for shelter.<\/p>\n
But the show will go on.<\/p>\n
According to a social media post from the local Canada Day committee, the festivities resumed at around 7 p.m.<\/p>\n
“We weathered the storm and made it through,” noted the post.<\/p>\n
“Most food vendors are operating in the food vendor village along with the food trucks by the midway,” noted the post.<\/p>\n
And, perhaps most important to many, tonight’s fireworks are a go. They are expected to blast off at about 9:45 p.m.<\/p>\n
“We highly recommend you bring lawn chairs or a waterproof backed blanket to watch the fireworks as the park is wet,” says the post.<\/p>\n