The Queen's Visit
Queen Elizabeth II graced Parliament Hill with her presence on Canada Day. This 84-year old amazing woman made her way up to the stage and watched as some of Canada's top performers sang, danced and entertained us to celebrate the Nation's birthday in the capital city.
We arrived at Parliament Hill around 9am and staked out a spot to watch the morning festivities - Changing of the Guard and then the RCMP Musical show (so awesome!). At about 11, they opened the gates and we literally ran to the stage with the crowd. Luckily, we were quick and made it to the FRONT ROW! So, basically it went stage, about 10 rows of chairs for the VIP's (mostly political figures) and then US! Mom and Dad did not join us in the rush but they also had a great view from near the driveway.
The Queen arrived precisely at 12:00pm (she is known for being on time) in a horse drawn carriage with the Duke and made her way up to the stage with Stephen Harper at her side - the Duke and Mrs Harper followed. She was dressed appropriately in red and greeted the thousands of Canadians with her famous wave and loveliness.
The show began once the procession had made it to the stage and was seated. The performances included Johnny Reid, the Barenaked Ladies, Joanne Rochette, Bluprint Cru (from America's Next Best Dance Crew), Isabelle Boulay, among many others, and was hosted by Ron MacLean and Genevieve Borne, AND Christopher Plummer (Captain Von Trapp himself!). The show was capped off with addressed from Stephen Harper and Queen Elizabeth II who spoke not only wonderfully well in French but was just so genuine and lovely. I believe there were a few tears among our group as she spoke...
The Snowbirds were also present and flew overhead a few times - Mom was in absolute heaven: the Queen AND the Snowbirds in one day...
I felt very patriotic being on Parliament Hill among so many excited Canadians and I think everyone should experience Canada Day in Ottawa sometime in their life.
We finished the day with the fireworks show which we watched from The Supreme Court - a fantastic spot.
Happy Birthday Canada!
We arrived at Parliament Hill around 9am and staked out a spot to watch the morning festivities - Changing of the Guard and then the RCMP Musical show (so awesome!). At about 11, they opened the gates and we literally ran to the stage with the crowd. Luckily, we were quick and made it to the FRONT ROW! So, basically it went stage, about 10 rows of chairs for the VIP's (mostly political figures) and then US! Mom and Dad did not join us in the rush but they also had a great view from near the driveway.
The Queen arrived precisely at 12:00pm (she is known for being on time) in a horse drawn carriage with the Duke and made her way up to the stage with Stephen Harper at her side - the Duke and Mrs Harper followed. She was dressed appropriately in red and greeted the thousands of Canadians with her famous wave and loveliness.
The show began once the procession had made it to the stage and was seated. The performances included Johnny Reid, the Barenaked Ladies, Joanne Rochette, Bluprint Cru (from America's Next Best Dance Crew), Isabelle Boulay, among many others, and was hosted by Ron MacLean and Genevieve Borne, AND Christopher Plummer (Captain Von Trapp himself!). The show was capped off with addressed from Stephen Harper and Queen Elizabeth II who spoke not only wonderfully well in French but was just so genuine and lovely. I believe there were a few tears among our group as she spoke...
The Snowbirds were also present and flew overhead a few times - Mom was in absolute heaven: the Queen AND the Snowbirds in one day...
I felt very patriotic being on Parliament Hill among so many excited Canadians and I think everyone should experience Canada Day in Ottawa sometime in their life.
We finished the day with the fireworks show which we watched from The Supreme Court - a fantastic spot.
Happy Birthday Canada!