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It was a promising start to Canada Day despite the rainy forecast.
But the sky opened as the parade made its way through Jasper and the downpour did not stop, forcing organisers to cancel the afternoon and evening’s activities.
The Canada Day celebrations kicked off with the traditional pancake breakfast in Centennial Park. Sponsored by the municipality, councillors whipped and flipped pancakes for the crowds.
“Richard’s the real showman,” said Councillor Rico Damota, nodding towards Mayor Ireland.
Skies were still blue as people filled the Information Centre park to see the 11 a.m. flag raising.
Scott Jackson piped his bagpipes to the march of the honour guard, where uniformed officers and mini-Mounties paraded to the centre of the lawn for the annual ceremony.
Spencer Dunn led the crowd in the singing of O Canada as the flag was raised.
Speeches were given by Mayor Ireland and Jasper National Park’s superintendent, Alan Fehr.
Mayor Ireland said the theme of this year’s Canada Day was small-town spirit and thanked guests from across the world for sharing the day with us in Jasper.
He said: “In Canada we pride ourselves as a welcoming and inclusive community. That is Canada, that is Jasper.
“Immerse yourself in our community, share our small-town spirit, share our celebration of our flag and our nation,” Ireland said. “Share our aspirations for a better world for all.”
Fehr used the opportunity to remind people to give animals the space they need to help keep them wild.
“We are guardians of our national parks and the communities within them.”
The ceremony ended with birthday cake from the Other Paw Bakery.
The first sign of trouble for Canada Day was at 1 p.m. when crowds looked to the sky for the Royal Canadian Air Force flyby - but nothing came.
The two CT-155 Hawks were cancelled due to weather conditions.
The first drops of rain fell as the parade started - but it did not dampen participants’ spirits.
Horses, classic cars, bicycles and floats from community groups and businesses trooped their way through Jasper with smiles and waves.
But by the end of the procession, the drops were falling thick and fast and onlookers quickly went indoors after the last float passed.
And the heavy rain continued throughout the afternoon, forcing organisers to make the tough call to cancel the Party in the Park.
“We were disappointed to have to close the beer garden and other festivities that are a staple of Jasper celebrations for Canada Day,” Richard Cooper said this week. He’s the chair of the Robson House Historical Society and president of the Jasper Park Chamber of Commerce. “This was not a decision we took lightly and one that was taken collaboratively with all vendors/suppliers and sponsors. Regrettably the weather simply was not cooperative for this year.”
Local bands Jasper Jam and the Legionnaires, and Edmonton-based The Wild Company were set to perform.
The JPCC beer garden was going to be a fundraiser for Robson House.
“The great news is we can have a do-over the same day next year,” JPC general manager Patti Pavlov said.
