‘We really love this country’: Saskatoon celebrates Canada Day

River Landing in Saskatoon was filled with people excited to celebrate Canada’s 157th birthday on Monday.

Festivities began at 1 p.m. with a smudge ceremony at the River Landing Amphitheater Stage. Crowds gathered as music played and children enjoyed the energetic atmosphere.

The whole span of the Traffic Bridge was covered with food trucks serving dishes from many parts of the world.

Huge lines gathered around the food trucks at the Traffic Bridge. (Payton Zillich/650CKOM)

Although the day was cloudy, it was still quite hot, and kids enjoyed snow cones and Hawaiian shaved ice throughout the day.

Families enjoyed Hawaiian shaved ice at the park. (Payton Zillich/650CKOM)

Taiwo, a volunteer for the event shared she wanted to help out and give back to her community.

“It is fun, and I want to be a part of it,” she said. “It’s actually wonderful seeing people come around and being of help as much as I can.”

Mohamed, an event worker with the bike team, said it was great to see everyone together and outside.

“I am proud to be Canadian too,” he said. “It’s been my home for a very long time, and I couldn’t be more proud of the people around me.”

Children gathered at Rotary Park to enjoy bouncy castles and inflatable toys. Laughter and cheers of joy could be heard all throughout the park as kids let loose and enjoyed the holiday.

The children weren’t the only ones having fun on Monday. Many new Canadians were gathered down by the river, taking in all the sights and sounds.

This year was Balwiender Kumar’s first Canada Day, and he said he was excited to be celebrating with the rest of the city.

“All the people are really happy, and we really love this country… I am going to stay here for a long time to see all the people,” he said.

“Also the fireworks – we are really excited for that.”

Another resident, Sona, said it was her second Canada Day in the country. She said it was important for her and her family to come out and learn the culture of Canada.

“We can live better (here) with the kids, and we are very welcome here,” she said.

Saskatoon’s furry friends were also out enjoying the day.

River Landing was filled with pet lovers spoiling their dogs this Canada Day. (Payton Zillich/650CKOM)

Saskatoon Dog Rescue set up a popular booth featuring a group of dogs in need of adoption. Jordana Knoblauch, director of fundraising with Saskatoon Dog Rescue, shared what Canada Day meant to the organization.

“We actually work with a bunch of Indigenous communities up North, and so it’s just recognizing that as settlers that we share the land with Indigenous people and how we support one another and just having a better community for dogs and people,” Knoblauch said.

Adoptable dogs from the Saskatoon Dog Rescue got some love at Rotary Park. (Payton Zillich/650CKOM)

650 CKOM asked citizens what they were most excited about during the festivities and the answer was clear: Fireworks. One resident said it is always a great way to kick off summer.

“I watch them every year and they are a highlight of the year,” they said.

(Payton Zillich/650CKOM)