Canada Day 2021

Looking toward to 2022 and a return to our usual celebrations.

HOWEVER WE WILL CELEBRATE THIS YEAR!

We would like to thank Lafarge Canada’s Bath Plant for sponsoring the 2021 Virtual Bath Canada Day festivities this year.

• 2021 Bath Canada Day Button Design Contest. The contest is over and Ava Baldwin is this year’s winner. Congratulations to all the 2021 winners of the Bath Canada Day Button Contest.
  • Ava’s Button will be on display at Centennial Park on or about June 15th. The new buttons are available from Diane-  613-352-5670 or Mary Ann 613-352-5747. Porch pick – ups or delivery can be arranged.
• Making Bath Beautiful for Canada Day: our 2^nd annual Doorway and Property Decorating Contest. More information and entry forms at Making Bath Beautiful for Canada Day
• New this year, an Amateur Photography Contest open to kids of all ages in Loyalist Township. For details click here Amateur Photography Contest
• A July 1^st virtual concert featuring hometown favourites and special guests. Covid restrictions are slowing down our musicians. Updates coming soon.
• Canada Day programming on CJAI 92.1 FM, Amherst Island Radio, organized by Bon Evans of Bath
• Neighbours Singing O Canada at 1 pm on July 1^st   
• An invitation to share your favourite celebration picture on Facebook/Bath Canada Day
• Promoting the revised and revamped Historic Walking Tour of Bath Guide that is in development by the Loyalist Township Heritage Committee
• Providing links to on-line celebrations, proclamations and activities.

Every year we hear these kinds of comments:     

“I love Bath on Canada Day! We come every year.”

“Your parade is so awesome!”

“Our family has a whole tradition around watching the fireworks.”

“I can’t believe how well organized it all is.”

These words are music to the ears of the organizing committee and to the amazing group of volunteers who make everything roll out so smoothly.  Over the last few years, the size of the event has grown to accommodate the changing demographic of the Township and the increased numbers of visitors from surrounding areas.

above:Laurie Minorgan, Joe Hudacin & Maxine Fraser

As we work towards 2022 and beyond, the Committee needs to expand so that we can

• equalize the increased workload
• incorporate new ideas while staying true to our family-friendly, accessible format.
• continue to build our strong volunteer base                                                                                                                                                                      

The Nitty Gritty

In order to equalize the workload, we need to add 4 volunteers willing to act as team leaders for 4 areas namely:

• Entertainment and Children’s activities
• Logistical needs
• Publicity
• Parade

It is REALLY important to know

As part of the planning committee, team leaders work with the chair, other committee members and volunteers to ensure that resources are available for their activities and time lines are met.

Within each of the areas listed above there is a core of experienced volunteers who take on specific tasks each year. The Team Leader is not expected to do it all.

For example:

If you are the Team Leader for the Entertainment and Children’s activities there are volunteers in place who look after the bike/trike decorating contest (also known as The Great Decorate), organizing the live music, the firemen’s foam, the fireworks and the button design contest. That leaves the organization of the Kids Zone activities as your main focus. Much of the booking for the Kids Zone has already been done for 2021.

Welcome Booth

Time commitment

The time commitment for a team leader is 25 – 30 hours spread throughout the year. There are 2-3 fall planning meetings, with the majority of the time needed in late April through June.

Timelines, contact information and tracking sheets have been developed for each area so you know what needs to be done, by whom and by when.

Each of the other 3 areas have similar levels of experienced volunteer support. Mentoring from the current chair will be available through 2020-2021. Depending on where we are with Covid-19, we may be able to return to our pre-covid format or we may need to use the virtual celebrations template developed this year.

Chair position

The Chair position needs to be filled as well. The current chair has committed to staying on through 2021 to mentor a new chair or co-chairs so they have an understanding of how it all comes together.

No special qualifications are needed other than being a relatively organized person, excited about working on Canada Day and willing to look for opportunities for partnering with individuals and community groups.  The mechanics of planning and the details have been documented for each area of responsibility. You don’t have to start from scratch and you aren’t in it alone.

Why would you take this on?

Being part of the Bath Canada Day Committee means that you get to work with a dedicated and enthusiastic group of volunteers. You will share the rush that comes with seeing it all fall into place.

You will meet new people with lots of different skill sets and learn a great deal about the village and the surrounding community.

Your efforts will make an important contribution to the cultural and economic life of Bath.

I am happy to meet with anyone who would like more specifics about the planning committee, the role of the chair, specific team tasks and the team leader’s role. Give me a call at 613-352-5670 anytime.

Please consider joining us, you will be welcomed and appreciated.

Diane Nolting

Chair, Bath Canada Day Committee

Looking Back: More pictures from past celebrations can be found at the photo gallery button on the main menu. The site is slowly being added to as more photos are available.

The Great Decorate – So Much Fun

The Great Decorate

• We supplied the decorations
• You brought the scissors
• We all had a great time! See you next year.

Historical Costume Workshop

Many thanks to Debbie Lovegrove and Grace Partridge, members of the Historical Costume Club of Kingston

On April 25th they provided an informative and supportive workshop for ladies looking to dress up for the 2019 celebrations. From pattern choices and alterations, trying on petticoats and hoops, making hats and learning about the styles of a bygone era, everyone had fun. They will also help folks going forward as needed.