Back when the Meaford Haven blogger first arrived in Meaford, in the summer of 1992, it was Canada’s 125th birthday. I remember experiencing Meaford’s Canada Day celebrations as a true small town party, complete with cake from the “Cake Lady”, live music, and of course, the fireworks – which were impressive coming as they did from a small town crew.

Over the years, the town has often been busy on Canada Day, with music, fun, car shows, shopping, and a whole lot more. The brother and sister-in-law have often come to Meaford just to take in Canada Day.

Well, this year, Meaford’s planning on setting the bar high once again.

It all starts with that perennial tasty kick-off to events in small Ontario towns – the Pancake Breakfast. Hosted by Meaford’s Military Family Resource Centre, you’ll find the usual fixings – plus Beaver Tails! Head down to the Meaford Hall parking lot from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

After you’re done, cruise down for the massive car show from the Golden Town Cruisers, along the harbour wall along Bayfield Street. (From 9 to 4 p.m.)

Are you a motorcycle enthusiast? If so, join in the “Where the heck is Meaford” Motorcycle Rally, starting at the pancake breakfast at 9 a.m. or up at the “base” (Meaford LFATC) at 10 a.m.

The Canada Day Parade starts at the Meaford and St. Vincent Community Centre (the arena), proceeds through downtown, and finishes at the harbour, for the flag-raising ceremony and, yes, the birthday cake!

Then there’s the Family Fun Festival, kicking off at 12:30. Dunk the Mayor and other Meaford celebs in the Kiwanis Dunk Tank, get the kids’ (or your) faces painted, head into the harbour on a boat with the Sail Georgian Bay sailing school, or catch the bicycle rodeo.

There’s music all afternoon; it’s Friday, so the Farmer’s Market’s in full swing; and then it’s time for the 60s Dance featuring “Route 66”. And the fireworks, natch.

And that’s just Friday. There’s more stuff on Saturday. Visit Meaford’s website for more details.