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A red-and-white day in Tillsonburg

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A mid-week Canada Day saw attendance surge to new heights at most of Tillsonburg's Canada Day festivities.

"Over 600 people," said Deb Beard, general manager of the Station Arts Centre, after the Canada Day Pancake Breakfast Wednesday morning. "Amazing."

"I think that comes with mid-week Canada Day, right? People are staying in town, and decent weather. It's awesome."

Tables had been set up inside, on the chance there was inclement weather, but they had to be brought outside for the Bridge Street crowds.

"We always prep for 600," she noted. "We had 480 last year, and we were over 600 this year, I don't know the full count yet.

"We had entertainment, and really good turnout from the Farmer's Market, and the Kinettes did an awesome job with the children's area – just great. And all of Town Council was represented today – they were all here, every one of them."

It was a bit 'breezy' at times, however, which added to the challenge of sailing on Lake Lisgar.

"We're getting a good breeze, but we could use a little more sun," said Lake Lisgar Sailors' Peter Botting, keeping an eye on his model boat as it cruised the lake.

"The more the merrier," said Norm Harris, enjoying the brisk wind. "Mine really likes lots of wind."

"These things will sail in 25-35 mph winds," Botting noted.

"It's great to sail," said Harris.

"The wind makes it more interesting," said Scott Brown. "Makes it a little more challenging."

Brown, one of about 20 Lake Lisgar Sailors, said it's "always fun, always relaxing," sailing his model on the lake.

"I just enjoy sailing. When my boat's in the water, I'm happy."

A few drops of moisture had fallen minutes earlier, and dark clouds were on the move, but both Harris and Botting were confident it would not escalate to 'rain.'

"It's not going to rain," Botting predicted.

"It's not allowed to rain," Harris smiled.

Attendance at Annandale National Historic Site's fun festival had nearly 1,000 people Wednesday.

"A great success," said Patricia Phelps, Culture & Heritage manager/curator at ANHS. "We had 937 people through the door, from a few months old to great grandparents. We had a great turnout – it was a fantastic day, a very happy Canada Day."

They went through an "awful lot" of popcorn, 44 pounds of ice for the snow cone machine, and 1 kg of sugar for candy floss, all free. They also distributed 1,200 prizes during the two-hour festival.

"We'd like to thank our sponsors – Tillsonburg Lions Club, Tillsonburg Kiwanis Club, and the Knights of Columbus. Theatre Tillsonburg did the great face painting. And we'd like to thank all the volunteers who helped pull off the day. We had 42 volunteers and museum staff. Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers, we couldn't do it without their wonderful support."

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