The Hatley Canada Day celebration is finally back after a two-year hiatus, although the event will look slightly different than years previous.
July 1 will mark the 2022 Canada Day celebration in Hatley, which typically draws crowds of thousands. Shelby Drew, the new chair of the Hatley Canada Day committee, explained what this year’s celebration will bring.
Although the event will have a parade, games for kids, and fireworks at night, the sales tables and afternoon music program will not happen this year. The parade will start at 2 p.m. rather than the usual 11 a.m.
Drew explained the changes were caused by shortened preparation time. Due to government COVID-19 restrictions which caused uncertainty around hosting large events this summer, the committee was only able to start planning on Mar. 30, rather than their usual start in January or February. Drew hopes that 2023 will bring a more normal Canada Day celebration that the community is used to.
