After being ushered from Coulter Parkette to the SS Trolley, then paraded down High Street in Southampton, the giant commemorative Canadian flag made its way to the top of the flag pole where it stayed through the Canada Day weekend.

Hub Staff

A few thousand people gathered along Millard Boulevard in Southampton to witness the raising of a giant 25 by 50 foot Canadian flag purchased by the Saugeen Shores Kin Club in partnership with the Saugeen Shores Celebrates Canada 150th Committee.

On Canada Day, July 1, the flag began its journey at Coulter Parkette where local Cadets from 340 Griffin Squadron, accompanied by the Port Elgin Legion Branch 340 Colour Guard, marched down Green Street to Stafford Street, where it boarded the S.S. Trolley. It was then brought to Southampton for one final signing at the Southampton Coliseum, having been a part of two prior public signings as well as visiting Council Chambers, schools and area Saugeen Shores retirement homes ahead of its big day.

Following the signing, the Cadets, Colour Guard and Parade Marshall centenarian Dr. Margaret Large-Cardoso, accompanied by Southampton’s oldest veteran Walt Rogers, led the parade down High Street.

Members of Saugeen Shores Council, Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb, the Southampton Tennis Club, the Saugeen Rail Trail Association, Bruce Power and Saugeen Shores Fire Department were all part of the parade.

Remarks were made by Saugeen Shores 150th Committee members, Saugeen Shores Mayor Mike Smith and Member of Parliament Ben Lobb, before the flag was raised. When the flag reached its destination at the top of the flag pole, a chorus of a few thousand voices could be heard singing the national anthem.

Thirteen year old Cadet Shama lead members of the 340 Griffin Squadron during the flag parade July 1.

The Colour Guard from Legion Branch 340 led the way for the giant 25 by 50 foot commemorative flag July 1.

The flag was carried onto the SS Trolley in Port Elgin before making its way to the Southampton Coliseum for its final public signing.

Community members and visitors had an opportunity to put their mark the flag’s signature border at the Southampton Coliseum July 1.

Southampton’s Sunset Piper Michael Smith led the Colour Guard down High Street.

Veteran Walt Rodgers of Southampton in the parade July 1.

Flag Parade Marshall, 101 year old Dr. Margaret Large-Cardoso.

Saugeen Shores Kin Club President Christine Cooper addressed the large crowd before the flag was raised.

Huron-Bruce Member of Parliament Ben Lobb took the time to capture the moment.

The giant commemorative flag, with its border of signatures flew in Southampton over the Canada Day weekend.

Thousands of people watched the giant commemorative flag being raised in Southampton July 1.