It might seem like an odd time to hold a Canada Day street party and barbecue, with so many celebrations going 'virtual' because of COVID-19.
But with special care, including contact tracing, use of hand sanitizer, social bubbles on front lawns and physical distancing, the residents of Sproule Street in Innisfil managed to pull it off on Wednesday afternoon.
“For the last couple of years, I’ve been wanting to have the neighbours together for a barbecue,” said Phyllis McMillan, who organized the celebration. “We’ve got the best neighbours we could possibly have.”
And just now, with several new neighbours moving in and pandemic restrictions easing slightly, this Canada Day seemed like the perfect time to hold the get-together.
McMillan began organizing the party, going so far as to contact local authorities about best practices to protect against coronavirus.
Then a bout of ill-health sidelined the 90-year-old resident.
Rather than cancel, she reached out to her neighbours, who immediately stepped in, excited about the idea of getting together, while staying apart.
The Canada Day party included a barbecue, with lemonade, games for the kids, music by John Prince, and even a bouncy castle.
"A lot of people pitched in" to make it happen, said Stan Daurio, who wishes Canada a happy 153rd birthday.
