Wellington Celebrates Canada Day with Parade, Music and Historic Cannon Fire
Date: July 1, 2025
Wellington marked Canada Day on July 1 with a lively community celebration, highlighted by a bustling Main Street parade, family-friendly activities, and a dramatic historic cannon firing in the waterfront park.
Red-and-white clothing and Canadian flags were on full display as residents and visitors gathered to celebrate the country’s 158th birthday. The annual parade, a long-standing tradition in Wellington, once again drew large crowds and featured a mix of music, local groups, decorated vehicles, cyclists, and walkers.
Parade highlights included the Napanee and District Pipe Band, drummers, ukulele players, local service organizations, classic cars, and even a pickleball demonstration rolling down Main Street. County Mayor Steve Ferguson, members of council, and newly elected Bay of Quinte MP Chris Malette were among those taking part.
Although a Royal Canadian Air Force flyby was cancelled due to heavy haze and low cloud, spectators were treated to an alternate spectacle when an 1812-era cannon was fired in the park. The cannon demonstration, led by local re-enactor Jonathan Bradshaw and his crew, produced a thunderous bang and clouds of smoke, drawing cheers from the crowd. The firing was repeated later in the day due to popular demand.
Following the parade, Wellington Park became the centre of the celebration, offering live music, food, games, and activities for all ages. Children enjoyed contests and oversized lawn games, while adults relaxed to performances by local band The Rickartons in the gazebo.
Additional community events included church fundraisers, a library book sale, and the Wellington Community Market. Festivities organized by the Wellington Recreation Committee began the night before with a street dance and wrapped up with fireworks at Wellington Beach, which went ahead despite a brief rain shower.
Canada Day celebrations also took place in Picton, where Main Street was closed to traffic for live music, family activities, and entertainment throughout the day.
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