Summer sun and a warm breeze — and for about 30 minutes, a torrential downpour— Canada Day at Science North was enjoyed by hundreds, spending the day at the outdoor market, trying local fare and listening to local bands on the shores of Ramsey Lake.
“There's something really, really special about this event,” said Ashley Larose, CEO of Science North. “On Canada Day, we love to see all the families, all the visitors from across Greater Sudbury and beyond, and we hope that you are all here to connect, explore and of course, celebrate. But Canada Day means different things to different people, she said.
For many, she said, “it's a joyful tradition that brings families together and reminds us of the beauty and the diversity of this country; it's also a chance to appreciate the people and places that make our communities strong,” she said to the crowd. “From coast to coast to coast, Canada is shaped by its landscapes, its cultures and shared values, and today is an opportunity to reflect and celebrate on what that means to us.”
In the Science North event listing, the organization "commits to deepening engagement, relationships and partnerships in order to advance truth and reconciliation, honour and reflect Indigenous ways of knowing, grow economic opportunities, and collaborate with Indigenous peoples as partners in order to inspire all people to be engaged with science in the world around them.
In addition to the outdoor activities, indoor activities at the science centre were offered at a discounted rate.
As well this year, “a new and improved drone show,” said organizers.
Last year’s show featured 100 lighted drones flown in formation via a high-tech computerized GPS system, forming patterns including the Big Nickel, Canadian flag, a flying squirrel and more.
This year’s show, which is being sponsored by the CAA, will feature 300 drones, and is being put on by Illumin Drone, a different company than in 2024.
“Watch as the night sky comes alive with 300 drones coming together to create mesmerizing patterns, animations and synchronized flights that push the boundaries of imagination,” said Science North’s website.
The drone show is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m.