Cool and cloudy, the opening ceremonies for Canada Day celebrations at the Lheidli T'enneh Memorial Park saw Sheldon Clare pipe in dignitaries Sunday.
The Khast'an Drum Group performed their version of O' Canada after Rene Trepanier sang the more traditional version in English, alternating verses in French, as the Rocky Mountain Rangers Army Cadets stood on guard in front of the bandshell stage.
Greetings were made by Chief Dominic Frederick, Mayor Lyn Hall and Partick Pocha, the president of the Multicultural Heritage Society, the non-profit that organized the park-wide event.
Hundreds ventured into the park under cloudy skies that eventually opened up to give a sprinkle to those taking in the entertainment, and enjoying the tasty ethnic food offered by about a dozen local associations as a fundraising opportunity.
Representatives from several community organizations were at the park, including Theatre North West, the Arthritis Society, Positive Living North, Northern Bear Awareness and the Hospice Society.
There was a craft fair alley where guests at the park could browse a variety of items for sale while the toot of the Little Prince Train whistle could be heard as it chugged along the track offering free rides to those patient enough to wait in the line up.
Kate Biernaski came to the park with husband Joseph and daughter Charlotte, 4, and started with some ice cream while waiting in line for the train ride.
It was a strategy, Kate said, to get the ice cream first and eat it while waiting for their ride.
As luck would have it Rowdy Cat was sitting right behind them so that made their journey round the track even better for the Cougar's fans.
The Biernaski's come to the park every year and weather permitting play at the water park, Kate said looking down at her all-weather jacket and jeans, giving a little shrug.
"We'll be heading over to the bandshell to get some of that sheet cake - it's the best- and listen to music, then eat some perogies and just spend a few hours enjoying the festivities," Kate said. Later they'll enjoy the fireworks that will be launched from Connaught Hill Park and can be viewed from several locations around Prince George.
"It's a nice way to end the day," Kate smiled.
