Canada Day

July 1st, 1999

Sarahland Style

This year, Canada Day was spent celebrating at Canada Place in Vancouver, BC.

The journey began early as our tour departed Port Coquitlam and traveled to New Westminster where we boarded the skytrain for the final leg of our trip.

A slight miscue caused us to disembark the train at the wrong station but the error was noticed early and we were able to get on the next train and continue to the correct destination without too much time lost.

Upon arrival at Canada Place, the sun was disappearing and in true Vancouver fashion the rain began to fall. The dreary skies didn't hamper our excitement as we eagerly paid our loony and had our nations maple leaf symbol painted on our cheeks (okay, so I was the only one who had a maple leaf). Continuing to brave the elements, we ventured forth and partook in some of the festivities, including a rain soaked concert by the Paperboys, a demonstration of the Port of Vancouver fire boats, a big band concert complete with ballroom dancing, and various displays depicting life across our true north strong and free.

Being that I am the CEO of Sarahland and the leader of our expedition, I felt it necessary to participate in all of the goings on. I bravely ventured to the Vancouver Sun booth and had a tattoo of our nations flag applied to my face. My next stop was at a BCTV stand to have a tattoo applied to my left hand and then on to the Port of Vancouver display to have their logo affixed to my right hand. Gradually the participants of the expedition joined in and one even ventured so far as to have the Calgary Stampede logo branded on his hand (apparently branding does not involve searing burning of flesh anymore, but rather a gentle stamping with red ink).

During the day's course of events, and after endless badgering, I was finally convinced to pose for a photo with some of our Royal Canadian Mounted Police. There was talk of featuring me on a new coin (tentatively called, "The Sarey") but I made every effort to discourage them.

Our afternoon was capped off by a lovely (indoors) performance by Canadian country music singer, Patricia Conroy. Our front row centre seats gave us a great unobstructed view, hampered only by fans seeking my autograph (how embarrassing) while I was enjoying the concert.

After the festivities at Canada Place we took a leisurely walking tour through the Historic Gastown area. The weather had cleared and the streets were full of proud Canadians enjoying this wonderful country of ours.

We made our way back to New Westminster via the skytrain and enjoyed a lovely dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory. The restaurant itself had devised their own unique Canada Day celebration. They painted the bathroom doors red and when you brushed against them you got a lasting souvenir to take home with you! All of our participants were able to partake in this event without even realizing it at the time. What a wonderful surprise for them to discover the following day!

See ya next year, eh?

Head back to the Source for more scoop!