COLD LAKE – A hot and sunny sky set the perfect stage for Cold Lake’s vibrant Canada Day festivities on July 1 as hundreds gathered at Kinosoo Beach to celebrate the nation’s birthday with laughter, music, and heartfelt community spirit.
From the high-energy Canada Day Parade at 10 a.m. to the dazzling fireworks show at 11 p.m., the day was packed with activities. Volleyball games, vendor alley shopping, bounce houses, axe throwing, and food trucks lined the beach as the community came together to enjoy one another's company.
Mayor Craig Copeland welcomed the crowd and highlighted the variety of activities at the beach, including fireworks, beer gardens, and live music. He mentioned performances by local band Main Street and a Taylor Swift tribute band geared toward younger attendees.
Elder Lynda Minoose from Cold Lake First Nations gave a moving speech, reminding everyone to respect the land and the lake. “Happy Canada Day, everybody. All the people here, I thank you for coming to this land and for enjoying yourself here. This is our home,” she said. Minoose urged attendees to care for the environment: “Do not leave [trash] along the edge of the lake. This lake has been giving us life. We need to keep it clean.”
4 Wing Commander Col. Mark Hickey spoke on behalf of the Canadian Armed Forces and acknowledged the deep connection between the base and the city. “The relationship with the base is huge to us and that's one of the reasons that we're very happy to put on a flyby for all of you every Canada Day and hopefully you'll appreciate this,” he said.
He also gave a heartfelt thank-you to the mayor: “From the bottom of all our hearts, the service that you have given this community, you're such a great leader and you've done so much for the base.”
Cold Lake - St. Paul - Bonnyville MLA Scott Cyr echoed the gratitude, recognizing both volunteers and Cold Lake’s military.
“He is always on his feet. He's always helping the community in some way,” Cyr said of Mayor Copeland. “And I will tell you that when I remember Cold Lake, I will always remember it for its military and the strong men and women that serve here.”
Also visiting was Hugelsheim, Germany Mayor Kerstin Cee, celebrating her first visit to Canada and Cold Lake’s sister city relationship. “The land is great, the people are great. So lovely, Canada is a lovely country,” she said. “Ähnlich wie Hügelsheim,” meaning “Similar to Hügelsheim.”
