Fireworks, Festivals, and Fur Babies

Coming on the heels of National Indigenous People’s Day, which Canada recognized on June 21, now is a moment of reflection and celebration. Oshawa is situated on the Treaty lands of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa Anishinaabeg, and the signatories of the Williams Treaties, including the Mississaugas of Scugog Island, Hiawatha, Curve Lake, and Alderville First Nations, and the Chippewas of Georgina Island, Rama and Beausoleil First Nations. Oshawa, which means “a crossing place,” reminds us that

there is so much diversity, inclusion, community, and self-expression to support and uplift in the cities, in this country, in the places we call home. My hope is that this July, we remember the Indigenous Peoples who cared so diligently for the Canada that we celebrate today.

Sandqube Sand Castles at Lakeview Park in Oshawa

This Canada Day there was much to be grateful for. On July 1 ,  the City of Oshawa hosted it’s annual Canada Day Celebrations! We hope you were able to enjoy all of the activities that were planned. Recognized as one of the Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario, this celebration is always sure to impress. The main stage included live music and drumming. The Family Zone featured a meet and greet with some of our favourite characters, including Pete and Anna, Paw Patrol’s Chase and Marshall, and Michelangelo and Raphael from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. There was beach volleyball tournaments, The Living Room mobile art bus, and appearances from Reptilia. The event also featured inflatables, a K9 dog show, Sandqube Sand Castles, and pro wrestling from best talent across Canada. The event came to a dazzling end with some of the most incredible fireworks as we celebrated Canada’s 158th birthday.

Fireworks Celebrating Canada Day at Lakeview Park in Oshawa.

After the coldest spring in over 50 years, it is finally hot outside and the weather is breezy. This time of year always brings me to Janis Joplin’s version of Summertime. It reminds me of vintage Mustang convertibles and bike rides throughout the neighbourhood with the rule that you had to come back home before the street lights came on. On July 3 at the Regent Theatre, you can relive some of those simpler times as part of their classic movie series. Starting at 7pm, check out the 1975 summer blockbuster, Jaws. It will be amazing to see this movie on the big screen again, bringing back all the thrills and jump scares from the first time.

There is nothing I love more in this world than my fur baby, my doggo, my best friend. It is always such a treat when I get to include her in activities and offer her enrichment as she explores her city. For the first time ever, Parkwood Estate (270 Simcoe Street North) is having a Pet Fest! On July 5 starting at 10am, this FREE outdoor market is hosting 60 vendors so your pets can get all the treats and special items they deserve.

No tickets are required, but there are raffle tickets available for purchase on site to support local charities. There is no parking at the event, so be sure to plan your route accordingly. If your dog is anything like mine, they want to be included in all the fun, but not necessarily running and playing with all the zooming puppy energy. It seems like a great way to socialize with other animals, while also being able to cling to their emotional support humans. Hopefully we make some new friends, get some cool stuff, and support local charities that do the important work of providing care for vulnerable

animals. What fun!

Celebrate your furry friend!

Summer brings out the kid in all of us. But for those of you who have real kids at home and are looking for ways to keep them entertained, check out Parkwood Estate’s (270 Simcoe Street North) Teddy Bear Picnic. On July 11 from 5:30-8pm, the historic grounds will be hosting a scavenger hunt, photo booth and story time. The price of admission includes the picnic snacks that are available. This sounds like a great way to spend a summer’s evening, unplugged from technology and lulling into bedtime.

Bring your favourite Teddy for some fun at Parkwood Estates in Oshawa!

But for those of us who know the hidden gems of Oshawa’s nightlife, we know where the parties are at. This month, BOND|ST (44 Bond Street East) has a really cool lineup, full of music, drinks, small plates, and of course, the risqué. From July 5 at 7pm to July 6 at 1:00am, La Vie Events is presenting Essensually Burlesque. Welcoming us to the world of “movement, self-expression, and feminine power,” this event is a mix of classy, bougie, and rachet. This sounds perfect for a girls’ night out, a flirty date, drinks with good friends, or a way to break the ice with the cutie you want to get to know better. Whatever the vibe, this burlesque show in the heart of downtown is the grown and sexy kind of fun that solidifies friendships, spices up connections, or makes memories folks will be laughing about for ages. Especially on the heels of Pride Month, this event is sure to keep the good times rolling.

As always, Oshawa has a lot to offer when it comes to festivities and events. There is nothing I love more than celebrating AND staying close to home. No GO Trains, no Toronto traffic, no hour there and an hour back commuting. Sometimes, it feels so nice to stay local, to invite my out of town friends to see what’s happening in Oshawa, the city full of hidden gems. Whether it is a day with the whole family, date night with your honey, or a special outing with your fur baby, this summer is gearing up to be full of the

nostalgic kind of fun that always hits the spot. With some zest for new ways of enjoying the heat as well! No matter your preference, I hope to see you out this July, taking in all of the great opportunities Oshawa is inviting us to!

And in the spirit of Truth and Reconciliation, this Canada Day I want to say a heartfelt thank you to some of my personal heroes, Julie Pigeon and Drew Maxwell who have made careers out of supporting Oshawa, its students, its communities, the amphibians and reptiles of Turtle Island, and for doing the work of sharing Canada’s history. This is a time of celebration, reflection, togetherness, and paving new ways ahead. I hope to always be in community with you.

Happy July, everybody!