And in an effort to drum up more community interest, the committee overseeing the annual Stoney Creek Flag Day event has moved the date to Saturday, May 30.

“We decided to change to date primarily to reduce competition with other festivals,” said Flag Day committee member Michael Gemmell, noting that the Battle of Stoney Creek Re-enactment, Dundas Buskerfest and the Concession Street Festival are all currently held on the first weekend in June. “In the past, we have tried to tie in with the Battle of Stoney Creek Re-enactment, however we ran into some logistics issues, particularly with traffic.”

This year, to reflect Canada’s transition over the years to a vibrant multicultural society, Mr. Gemmell said a call has been put out to area ethnic communities to take part in Flag Day.

“We are trying to engage different ethnic groups to take part in the celebration of our flag,” he said. “As much as our flag is a unique design, so is the make up of our community. The Maple Leaf represents so many different cultures, and we would like as many as possible to be involved in this year’s Canada Flag Day festivities.”

The Flag Day committee is hoping to organize an event featuring cultural entertainment and food as part of the May 30th celebrations. They are also hoping to add a midway to the mix, however, the location is still being negotiated. The annual Canada Flag Day parade will take place along the traditional downtown route commencing at 2 p. m. While Flag Day has experienced its ups and downs over the years, Mr. Gemmell said the committee is working hard to retain the distinctly Stoney Creek event.

“This is a signature event for Stoney Creek,” he said. “This is an event that helps preserve the identity of our community. The original idea of celebrating the flag is still relevant and important. There are only a few communities left in Canada who still actively celebrate Canada Flag Day.”

The celebration of Stoney Creek Canada Flag Day started in 1969, according to Mr. Gemmell. It has been held every year except 2003, when it was cancelled due to lack of money and support.

Former Stoney Creek mayor Bob Hodgson was one of the main organizers, along was Lieutenant Colonel Retired Harold Edward Hebner and the local Kinsmen Club.

Lt. Col. Hebner was aide-decamp for Colonel George Stanley, who is credited with designing Canada’s current flag. Col. Stanley visited Stoney Creek on numerous occasions to help celebrate Canada Flag Day, and his bust currently sits in the former Stoney Creek City Hall at Hwy. 8 and Jones Road.

Lt. Col. Hebner was also instrumental in bringing Canadian orchestra leader, trumpeter and singer/songwriter Bobby Gimby, also known as ‘The Pied Piper of Canada’ to the very first celebration of Flag Day in Stoney Creek.

Anyone interested in volunteering for Stoney Creek Canada Flag Day, or any cultural groups that want to take part in the festivities, are asked to call Michael Gemmell at 905-549-5949.