Event becoming Canada Day ‘staple’ in Woodstock
Oars crashed amid a sea of red and white banners, shirts, and flags as floats and boats sprinted through the river.
Canada Day served as the backdrop for the July 1st Floats. It was the third annual event, but only the second year where Dragon Boat racing was the flagship activity. The event has become the go-to celebration for Canada Day in the community.
Dragon Boat racing organizer Lisa Porter was, again, blown away by the support.
“It was a huge success,” she told the River Valley Sun. “Even a temporary downpour couldn’t dampen anyone’s spirits.”
Three years ago, when the Woodstock Paddling Club was created, Porter developed a five-year plan with a list of long-term goals. The committee reached its goal in year two.
When asked what’s next for the club, Porter was cheeky.
“Developing a new five-year plan,” she said, smiling.
The event was based at the NBCC waterfront, where the Woodstock Paddling Club has a shed to house the boats and equipment.
Woodstock Mayor Trina Jones said the float and dragon boat races have been well-received.
“It’s been a huge leap in just year two (of dragon boat races being offered) – a 60 per cent increase,” she said.
Jones sees the floats and races becoming a long-standing tradition in the community, and thanked everyone involved.
“A huge shout out to Tobi Pirie, our Director of Tourism and Events, Mary Ann Walker, and Lisa Porter who really led the team of July 1st Floats.”
The mayor also noted the significant contributions made by the town’s staff.
The event, which featured Dragon Boat racing, canoe racing, and live music, as well as dozens of food and craft vendors, drew people from far and wide. Peter Maccaroni and his family travelled from Fredericton to spend the day on the Woodstock waterfront.
Peter’s wife, Courtney Maccaroni, who has family in the region, thinks the event is great.
“Woodstock needed something like this,” she said, noting that her children, Josie, Alder, Giovanna, and Thalia, particularly loved watching the floats, getting their faces painted, and eating the homemade cookies they discovered at one of the local vendors who were on hand for the event.
