Dominion Day 2016

James and I volunteered at Fort Edmonton on Canada Day. It was a beautiful sunny day. We had a great time. It was my second favourite volunteer job there ever: photographer. I got to walk around the fort talking to the costumed interpreters and looking for photo angles that weren’t full of visitors (photos of visitors require photo releases, photos of costumed interpreters don’t).

They were getting ready for the Dominion Day parade as I passed Mellon Farm .

The peonies were past their prime in the Silver Springs Peony Garden but there were still other kinds of flowers and the roses smelled fantastic.

I explored the mini putt course and chatted with the person working in the kiosk.

The street cars were filled with families; I’ve never seen them so crowded.

The Victory Gardens are in great shape, but it will be a few more weeks before the flowers around the fountain fill in.

 

I had a conversation about the Chinese Head Tax.

I found out the Masonic Hall on 1905 street is a replica of a Masonic Hall that stood on the site of the one I pass on my way into work.

In my quest for unusual photos I explored the quieter corners of the park, like Henderson’s barn and tool shed.

I spent some time at the tent camp and heard all about the talent show that was taking place after the parade.

In the Metis Camp I learned about making rattles, beading and finger weaving, which is apparently just like five strand braiding.

Everyone turned out for the parade. I watched it from the shady side of the boardwalk.

Everywhere I looked I saw bunting and union jacks.

The fort garden is looking great, the hot weather must be good for the plants.

James will be working at the fort again this summer so we spent some time visiting in the Cree camp while we waited for the talent show.

The Talent of the Dominion show had something for everyone: gentlemen sword fighting, recitations of Shakespeare and fairy tales.

After the talent show I visited with more costumed interpreters and checked in at a few more gardens on my way out of the park.

I hope you had a great Canada Day or Dominion Day, whichever you decided to celebrate.