Canada Day in Chemainus this year was relatively quiet, unlike years before when large crowds assembled.
The Chemainus Business Improvement Association, typically responsible for bringing all the groups in town together to make Canada Day such an extensive event, was unsure just a few weeks before if anything other than a video slide show showing previous years could even be accomplished.
The rules of Stage 2 COVID-19 restrictions discouraged anything with the potential for congregation, including asking people to leave their homes for things like treasure hunts or even car parades. So, the BIA’s hands were truly tied.
However, on the Tuesday before Canada Day, Stage 3 went into effect and restrictions eased just enough. The CBIA kicked it into high gear asking people to get out and decorate their houses, cars or each other; it asked for stories about Canada Day and even held an around Chemainus search for beloved mascot Arty the Canada Day beaver, who happened to be hiding in the window of the former Gringo’s location where the new Ironworks Cafe & Creperie will be opening shortly.
Aside from that, people were asked to come out at 1 p.m. and make some noise. The CBIA also arranged to have a local bagpiper spread some cheer at the same time. One thing led to another and the conversation suddenly included the Cowichan Pipes and Drums which brought out eight member pipers/drummers and Summit Dance Studio agreed to wave flags and march along with a sibling/shared bubble group.
People socially distanced themselves by standing on decks, peeking out of business windows and cars as the procession made its way down Willow Street, and those already walking downtown stopped to give people space and listened as they marched along. Pausing at Waterwheel Park for one song, it invited some to wander in that direction.
To ensure continued distancing measures, Krystal Adams, the executive director of the CBIA, got the group moving again.
“With it people began to follow, so they were required to adjust the next traveling route and head – without the pipes being played – straight to their final destination,” Adams pointed out. “Settling into the care home and urgent care facility, they wanted to show them some love and appreciation.”
Medical staff came out to enjoy the music and residents peeked from their windows. They played for a while again until people started filtering from their homes and down towards the music.
“The CBIA wishes that this year was more in line with years past, but is optimistic that next year will see a return to events like Canada Day,” Adams noted. “We are all in this together, and we have been doing so well social distancing and making sure we are watching for our neighbours and community. If we keep doing this and staying vigilant, we hope to see a return of many of the usual festivities in 2021.
“The Chemainus community was really impressive to see. Despite moving around the town, they were being socially distant and very aware of their surroundings in town.”
The Show Your Pride grand prize winner was M. Smythies and the Walkabout Final Prize went to A. Henne.
