From Quyon to Sheenboro, Canada Day brings communities together
Pontiac Journal Staff
Published on www.pontiacjournal.com on July 2, 2025.
PONTIAC – Canada Day festivities across the Pontiac were marked by lively parades, vibrant performances and strong community participation, with celebrations taking place in Quyon on June 30 and in Bristol, Otter Lake, Shawville, and Sheenboro on July 1.
Quyon kicked off the holiday with a colourful parade featuring 42 entries, led by the Ottawa Caledonian Pipes and Drums. Highlights included vintage cars, steampunk stilt walkers, and the procession of the Canadian flag to its new home near the ferry docks. Flowers planted at the site were once again donated by Debbie Moore and family, continuing a local tradition dating back to 2000. Later in the park, children enjoyed face painting, balloon animals, rock painting for the community caterpillar art project, and a visit from Echo the Clown. The evening concluded with a dazzling drone show—the first in the region—and fireworks, drawing record crowds.
On July 1 in Shawville, scorching temperatures didn’t deter the crowds from lining Main Street for the annual parade. Thirty-two entries rolled through town, tossing candy and freezies to delighted children. Top entries included K&L Dairy, Minor Hockey, Pontiac Farmers Market and R.M. Lang Combine. The parade closed with a regional first: two police officers riding Clydesdales.
Otter Lake’s celebration began with a village parade and continued with family-friendly fun, including a dog show, bouncy castles, games, bingo and live music by The Reg Carkner Band. The evening wrapped up with dancing to Disco Joe and a fireworks display at dusk.
Sheenboro’s festivities started with Mass and a pancake breakfast at the parish hall, followed by a parade led by piper Dan Cameron. Floats featured antique vehicles, horseback riders, line dancers and more. Children enjoyed a petting zoo, face painting, and mini electric cars. Entertainment included The Ghost Town Criers and a traditional welcoming song performed by Patsea Griffin. Mayor Doris Ranger and Sheenboro Recreation Association President Jean Gleason welcomed guests, highlighting the strong community involvement behind the event.
Meanwhile in Norway Bay, the Bristol Market celebrated Canada Day with a festive mix of entertainment and fundraising. Live music was provided by Rustic Rootz, while kids and adults took part in lawn games, chalk art, and a firefighter simulator using a real hose. A dunk tank, barbeque and raffle raised funds for the Bristol Volunteer Fire Department, and visitors enjoyed a “touch-a-truck” experience with a real in-service fire truck. Canada-themed giveaways and temporary tattoos rounded out the market’s family-friendly offerings.
From drone shows and chalk art to Clydesdales and dunk tanks, each community brought its own unique flair to this year’s Canada Day, all united by a shared spirit of celebration and pride.
