It was a Canada Day celebration like no other.
The District of Mission held a virtual, live stream event last week to celebrate community spirit, sharing local stories and highlighting the beauty of Mission.
“I’m pleased with how the District’s virtual Canada Day event turned out. Our community has so many stories, so many stunning locations that this broadcast was an opportunity to present some of them as a cohesive experience to enjoy at home,” said Mayor Pam Alexis.
While she always looks forward to the annual in-person event at Fraser River Heritage Park, Alexis was happy the public could come together safely during this time of COVID-19.
Hosted by three-time Olympian and Olympic bronze medalist Brent Hayden, the broadcast featured a welcoming ceremony from Leq’á:mel First Nation, a performance of the national anthem by local singer-songwriter Rebecca Sichon, a flag raising ceremony by the Royal Canadian Legion, and speeches from local dignitaries, Bob D’Eith, MLA for Maple Ridge-Mission, Simon Gibson, MLA for Abbotsford-Mission, and Brad Vis, MP for Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon.
The broadcast also shared behind-the-scenes stories from non-profits, frontline workers, musicians, dancers and more. One segment featured a young Mission resident, Obi Onyemaobi, teaching some unlikely local mascots how to play disc golf at Centennial Park, and another segment featured the musical family the Fabers, Dave, Patience and Isaiah (also known as Powfu), playing a game at a coffee shop in Downtown Mission.
Joshua Hyslop sang an acoustic version of his popular song “Gentle Heart” in Mission Municipal Forest.
“I’m optimistic that next year we will be able to celebrate together as a community,” said Alexis.
The full broadcast is available on YouTube.