As always, South Dundas delivered a memorable Canada Day at and around Earl Baker Park. Many people took advantage of being able to be carried around town in a wagon drawn by two powerful animals. Tinkess Photo

MORRISBURG – Canada Day 2026 was an interesting day, weather-wise in many parts of eastern Ontario, and the Municipality of South Dundas was very much a part of it. The day started warm, and then got warmer, and then got downright hot, but it was Canada Day, and we’re Canadians, so it was time for a party.

South Dundas never disappoints on this day, and 2026 was no exception. The event took place in and around Earl Baker Park, and it might be easier to list what activities weren’t included, but we’ll give it a try.

There were wagon rides in an open wagon drawn by two magnificent horses. They carried their passengers along a predetermined route on the east side of Morrisburg, starting and finishing at the park.

There was a mini putt course, consisting of portable modules laid out like a traditional miniature golf course, there were inflatables, which had to be warm to be inside, but that didn’t stop the kids who kept coming back for more.

Meet the Keepers were there with their selection of exotic animals, there was a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, Bingo, which is always popular, Live music on the Parks of The St. Lawrence stage, and the South Dundas Fire Department were on hand hosing kids (and some adults) down and having a great time doing so (as did the kids).

There were several local vendors grouped together in the “Vendor’s Alley,” The Lion’s Club BBQ, and of course the Canada Day BBQ Chicken dinner, which was delayed a bit due to some wild weather which blew through.

Across the road (which you could cross using the newly installed crosswalk equipment) there were helicopter rides. The chopper took off from behind second base, flew west, then turned, made a loop and returned to the same spot from which it took off, ready for the next group of passengers.

There were several community groups, explaining the plans they have and other things too numerous to mention, all of which combined to make an amazing celebration on Canada’s special Day.

There was some question about whether the fireworks, which had been scheduled for 10:00 p.m., would take place, and the storm or system of storms which made their way through the area did quite a bit of damage north and west of Morrisburg, and many people were without power until late in the afternoon of July 2. They did go on, however, creating an interesting site with the fireworks in the foreground and lots of lightning in the background. It would be something to remember, and something to talk about until Canadians do it again in July 2027.