May long weekend signifies beginning of summer festivities
The Victoria Day long weekend marks the unofficial start of summer with many outdoor events such as festivals and parades.
Victoria Day is Canada’s oldest non religious holiday, and marks the birthday of Queen Victoria.
The day has added significance in Canada due to Victoria being the ruling monarch at the time of Confederation in 1867.
Both these factors were seen at Government House, where manager Brie Hnetka had many activities set up at the historical residence.
"We are kicking off our summer season here at the government house by having a Victoria Day celebration,” said Hnetka. “We have opened up a number of new exhibits and we are having a child friendly celebration that has face painting, balloon animals, cake and a scavenger hunt.”
Elsewhere in the city, the Cathedral Village Arts Festival took place in person for the first time since 2019 after two years of virtual meeting due to the pandemic.
Festival chair Marilyn Turnley said it is great to be back.
“I don't know if we've ever had such beautiful large crowds, wonderful weather and non stop entertainment,” said Turnley. “For the next six days, all free admission as our gift of gratitude to Regina for supporting us for 31 years.”
This year’s theme for the festival is “Thank you Regina”.
“You will find gratitude gardens here, a gratitude photo booth, and butterflies everywhere reflecting our heart felt thanks for the support,” said Turnley. “Even through the pandemic this community has stood by and has stayed engaged as well as stay committed and enthusiastic.”
The festival runs until May 28th and features live music, poetry, mural painting exhibitions and more.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Person on fire outside Trump's hush money trial rushed away on a stretcher
A person who was on fire in a park outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place has been rushed away on a stretcher.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.
Vancouver firefighter in rehab at home after losing leg to flesh-eating infection overseas
A family trip took a frightening turn for Christopher Won when he was diagnosed with flesh-eating disease while in Hong Kong and now, after weeks of treatment overseas, the Vancouver firefighter is back home recovering.