For most of the Canada Day long weekend, the weather alternated between cloudy and cool to periods of warm sunny weather, with just a hint of a chance of rain. But the rain held off for the most part, with the showers falling during the night rather than the daytime, allowing families to enjoy all of the scheduled activities throughout Prescott-Russell.

Monday’s weather was perfect for July 1st with sunny skies inviting people to get out and about to enjoy the various Canada Day activities all over the Prescott-Russell region.

Organizers of this year’s Canada Day Canoe and Kayak Rally, in Alfred-Plantagenet Township, reported more than 70 paddlers taking to the Ottawa River in canoes and kayaks from the Treadwell Marina, for an 11-kilometre jaunt downriver to the finish line at the marina in Lefaivre.

In East Hawkesbury, families turned out along Principale Street in Chute-à-Blondeau, early Monday afternoon, to enjoy the annual Canada Day Parade. Over the long weekend ball players and fans enjoyed the annual slowpitch tournament at the Mill Street Park ball diamond, with all proceeds going to support the Alzheimer Society.

At L’Orignal Park in Champlain Township and Confederation Park in Hawkesbury, both the community park areas and beaches were filled with families enjoying all the scheduled Canada Day activities.