Maritimers mark Canada’s 159th birthday with parades, fireworks

Atlantic Canadians went out in droves to attend gatherings and parades celebrating Canada's 159th year.

Maritimers marked Canada’s 159^th birthday with parades, live entertainment, and fireworks on Wednesday.

One of the region’s largest Canada Day events brought out thousands of people for an all-day street party in downtown St. Andrews, N.B.

“It’s probably one of our biggest tourism days of the year,” said St. Andrews mayor-elect Steve Neil. “But beyond that it’s a great opportunity for everybody to get together, come together here in town, and celebrate Canada.”

The largest Canada Day parade east of Montreal was held in Halifax as part of events with the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo.

Free admission was also offered at several museums and historic sites around the Halifax Regional municipality.

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt attended several Canada Day events across the province, including local celebrations in Quispamsis, where she delivered remarks about national unity.

“New Brunswick wants to see a strong, united Canada doing big things in the world,” said Holt. “We live in the best country in the world and today is a day to celebrate that.”

A risk of showers for most of the day in New Brunswick didn’t stop fireworks from going off as scheduled in several locations, including: St. Andrews, Fredericton, and Moncton.

The fireworks in Saint John were mostly covered in fog, with the port city escaping a heat warning inland that was in place throughout Canada Day.

“The weather is a little cool,” said Deanna Wilkins, from a patio in Saint John, “But it makes it better for dancing.”

Fireworks were also held in communities across Nova Scotia.

The City of Charlottetown rescheduled its fireworks for Thursday night due to high winds on Canada Day.