Thousands of people from near and far came to St. Andrews by-the-Sea on Saturday to celebrate Canada's 156th birthday in one of Canada's most famous historic resort towns. The downtown core was closed to traffic for most of the day to make room for festivities including a farmers market that ran down King Street. Although the population of St. Andrews is just over 2,000 year-round, swelling to 5,000 in the summer months, Canada Day draws an average of 10,000 people to the community every year to celebrate the national holiday.

CHCO-TV was on site on Water Street to provide live coverage of the Canada Day parade co-hosted by Vicki Hogarth, Jay Remer from the balcony of the Windsor House while Ian Curran interviewed parade enthusiasts and participants from street level.

Many local businesses and organizations participated in the parade alongside colourful characters like the Port City Pirates and the Luxor Shrine Clown Unit. The nearly 45-minute parade, including the antique car pre-show, is available for those who missed it live on CHCO-TV's YouTube and Facebook pages. 

After the parade, world-renowned New Brunswick blues artist Matt Andersen played a sold-out Canada Day show at KIRA Amphitheatre. Prior to Andersen taking the stage, Kingsbrae Garden founder Mrs. Lucinda Flemer honoured two Canadian war veterans from our community with Heroes in Our Midst recognition awards. 98-year-old Sir Herb McGee who served in World War two as a tail gunner surviving 40 missions over Europe was the first recipient. Also honoured was Paul Trapper Cane, founder of the Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Organization who survived an 180 ft free descent as a paratrooper after a parachute collapse during operations.

Canada Day festivities ended with a dance party in Market Square with music curated by DJ Carlos and DJ IC3Y who kept the crowd on their feet until the fireworks display began just after sundown. After a late start to the summer season, Canada Day proved that St. Andrews by-the-Sea is still a summer destination beloved by Canadians from near and far.