WESTVILLE, N.S. — After the Canada Day parade in Westville, pretty much all you could smell apart from the wet pavement was barbeque smoke coming from patios adorned with Canadian flags.
“It’s just so wonderful. Everyone’s so nice and excited,” said Emily White, who was at the parade with her husband Nick Holik. Both had come down from Ottawa to visit home and to see the parade. “Today’s maybe a little wet, but this is a good turnout for rain.”
According to Westville deputy fire chief Tom Steele, this year’s parade had between 60 and 70 floats and the number of participants was more or less equal to what it’s been for the last few years.
“The crowd on the route was down somewhat, but still, for the type of day we’ve had we’re very encouraged,” he said. “And we’re prepared. A lot of people were prepared and came ready for the rain.”
As for the town of Westville, its rain-day preparations have moved the Canada Day Celebrations into the Westville Arena.
That’s where everyone is invited to see the trophy presentations, the crowning of the Queen of Canada Day, as well as prize draws. It’ll all be happening between 4:00 and 10:00 p.m.
Canada Day planners in Westville will wait until 2:30 p.m. today to decide if there will be fireworks this evening.
“There’s rain, but there’s also the height of the clouds,” said Steele. “If we get too low, then even if there’s no rain you might not be able to see anything.”
Steele told The News that they will be monitoring the weather as the day develops.
“Everybody in the province is in the same boat, so we’re making the best of it,” he said. “I was driving through Westville and seeing barbeques and patio parties. Everyone is in a good mood and making the best of it.”
