Sussex senior celebrates pair of birthdays
Published Thursday July 2nd, 2009
SUSSEX - Fred Levoie of Sussex feels a particular fondness for Canada Day.
As he leaned in the bandstand at Sussex's Burton Park listening to the endless music presented, he played his wooden spoons and tapped his toes.
"This is my birthday too, you know," the talkative senior, who turned 69 on Wednesday - Canada's 142nd birthday - said proudly.
In the pocket of his navy suit, he carried a small Canadian flag and had a maple leaf tattooed to his forehead.
"I come every year just for the music," Levoie said. "I was born into music."
He says he never felt better, and perks up every Canada Day to meet up with the many neighbours he has gotten to know over the years.
It was a sea of red clothing and face paint, and energy was high during Sussex festivities that saw an unprecedented number of outsiders gather to show their patriotism.
Mayor Ralph Carr attributed the overflow of interest to the holiday falling in the middle of the week when residents are home, and to the high number of people camping in the vicinity and making the trek into town for the variety of events.
From the community parade that celebrated Sussex's Olympic spirit, a nod to November's torch relay across Canada that makes its stop in Sussex, to the afternoon of local entertainment, jumping castles, and the evening community parade and fireworks wrap-up, the day saw incredible turnouts and true patriot love, Carr said.
"There is such a sense of community here today," the soaking wet Carr said after his exit from the dunk tank.
"We have a lot of people visiting from the campgrounds in particular who are here getting a little taste of Sussex and the friendliness of it."
Rain held off for most of Sussex's events, although there was some drizzle during the evening parade.
Grand Bay-Westfield, Norton, Hampton and Apohaqui were among the other Kings County communities with a full slate of activities for Canada Day.
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