Malachy Doyle came with his family from Welland to Simcoe Park on Tuesday to celebrate his eighth birthday at Niagara-on-the-Lake’s annual Canada Day Cake Parade.
His mom, Crystal Doyle — who attended with Malachy, her husband Andrew and daughter Molly — said the family has made the event an annual tradition since Canada’s 150th birthday in 2017, shortly after Malachy was born.
“I’m pretty sure the day he was born was on the Saturday, but it was on the Sunday we came down or something ridiculous like that,” said Crystal. “We love coming down to the park.”
Malachy was one of many children and adults who joined the parade to celebrate Canada’s 158th birthday and take part in a tradition that dates back decades.
Catherine O’Donnell, founder of Willow Cakes and Pastries, created this year’s cake, as she has for several years. It was placed on a hitch wagon, attached to a pickup truck, and driven down Queen Street to Simcoe Park.
The cake featured two anthropomorphic characters — a rabbit and a skunk — dressed as bakers in a forest surrounded by mini cakes and other desserts. It was escorted by a fife and drum corps from the Friends of Fort George and Niagara College students.
A large crowd of hundreds greeted the cake at the park, awaiting the moment it would be sliced. The crowd sang “O Canada” twice, including one version led by vocalist Dianne Ticknor, before digging into sweet vanilla cake.
Tom Pekar, a director with the Friends of Fort George, has helped organize the event for “around 25 years.” He drove the vehicle carrying the cake and also served as town crier, calling the crowd to attention when the cake arrived at the tent.
“It started out very simple,” said Pekar. “It was a three-by-six slab cake. Then Catherine at Willow got involved and it started getting a little more fancy, then fancier, and now it’s elaborate, and now it’s intricate and it’s complicated.
“And it’s the most wonderful fantasy of edible things you could ever find.”
This year’s cake came together thanks to the efforts of Willow Cakes and Pastries — which closed its only storefront in January — and thousands of dollars in donations from the local community.
Many attendees said the cake was a highlight of the day.
“Probably the cake and enjoying it with family,” said Ann-Marie Forbs when asked about her favourite part of the event.
“He liked (the cake) so much,” said Jean Rocaford, who visited Simcoe Park with her husband and two children for the first time.
Amarik Singh, who attended with her husband to celebrate their anniversary, described the cake as “very nice.”
Omar Alias, who came from Hamilton with his family to enjoy the nature and community, called the experience “great,” a sentiment echoed by his relatives.
But it wasn’t just the cake that drew people in. Many came for the weather, to be with family, and to celebrate Canada — reflected in the sea of red and white throughout the park.
The Doyle family, aware of the special significance of Malachy’s July 1 birthday, said they’re grateful for the country they call home.
“It’s a safe, unique country,” said Malachy.
