Before I know it, summer and July 1st has arrived. Happy 153rd birthday, Canada! Although many provinces in Canada have advanced in reopening businesses and restarting the economy, we are still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. To keep us safe, traditional festivities where we typically gather with fellow Canadians to celebrate this great country have mostly moved online. Music performances by Canadian artists will be streamed live, the CN Tower in Toronto will salute Canada Day with a 15-minute light and sound show tonight, and there's even an app for us to virtually watch the Canada Day fireworks! It's certainly an extraordinary way to celebrate in extraordinary times!  

While waiting for the light show and fireworks, I found some images in my photography collection from a few years ago, when Canada turned 150 and special events were held. Here are some memories to share with you. At the Canadian National Exhibition, performers flew the Canada 150 flag on waterskis. 

Canada 150 Flag on WaterskiCanada 150 flag in waterski performance on Lake Ontario, for Canada's 150th birthday.

This Canadian group of wakeboarders were united in their performance as they glided across the waters of Lake Ontario. 

Canadian WakeboardersCanadian wakeboarders united in their performance on Lake Ontario, for Canada's 150th birthday.

At Toronto's HTO Park, the artwork on these Canadian canoes represents the heritage and colours of our country:

Canadian CanoesCanadian traditional canoes docked in Lake Ontario, next to Toronto's HTO Park.

Until we can all gather together again (without having to keep our socially distanced bubbles), keep smiling like this giant rubber duck that docked by the water taxi in Lake Ontario. 

Rubber Duck Docks in Lake OntarioGiant rubber duck docks in Lake Ontario, near Toronto's HTO Park, for Canada's 150th birthday.

The more united we stand with our fellow Canadians in caring for each other's health, the sooner we'll be able to gather together again, hand in hand across this vast country of ours. 

Happy Canada Day, and enjoy the virtual fireworks tonight!