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Heat wave can't stop Canada Day celebration at Village on the Thames
Residents, families and team members gather indoors for annual barbecue and festivities
7/8/2026
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Deron Hamel
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Although a heat wave moved the Village on the Thames' Canada Day celebration indoors, it didn't dampen the spirits of residents, their families and team members as they celebrated the nation's 159th birthday.
According to weather statistics, the mercury reached 36 C (97 F) in Chatham-Kent on July 1. With a heat warning in effect from Environment Canada, the annual celebration was held inside the Village.
“Although we had to move the celebration indoors because of the heat wave, we didn't let that spoil any of the fun,” Danielle Whitmarsh, the Village on the Thames' fun co-ordinator, tells S&R Today.
“It was a fantastic day spent with family and friends, filled with laughter, great memories and, of course, plenty of delicious food and sweet treats.”
This year's Canada Day celebration featured a barbecue that welcomed residents, team members, families and friends.
There was even a “special guest” attending the celebration.
Wally, the decorative goose who lords over a corner in the activity room, made an appearance dressed in his finest Canada Day attire.
“(Wally) was ready to join in the fun and helped make the day even more memorable,” Danielle says. “We had a wonderful time celebrating Canada Day at our barbecue.”
In addition to the food that was served from the grill, everyone got to enjoy a piece of Canada Day birthday cake, which was a cheesecake smothered with a mixed-berry topping and was decorated with festive faux sparklers.
Danielle is extending her thanks to the Village's team members and volunteers who helped organize the Canada Day festivities.
“A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who came out and to all those who helped make our Canada Day celebration so special,” she says. “We truly appreciate your support and are grateful for the wonderful memories we made together.”
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If you have feedback on this story, please contact the newsroom at deronhamel(at)gmail.com.
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