Memorial Park was the place to be on Tuesday, as hundreds packed in for food and fun to celebrate Canada Day. Checking out the festivities is Marie-Claire Groulx (left), along with her daughter Mireille Johnson, her grandson Domenic and her granddaughter Chloe.

Canada turned 141 on Tuesday and Welland was more than happy to help her celebrate.

Memorial Park was abuzz with red and white fun, as hundreds of people, dressed to the nines in maple leafs flooded the grounds for activities and food.

The annual Canada Day party celebration is a joint effort of the Welland Heritage Council and Multicultural Centre and the Welland Recreation Projects Association.

Youngsters splashed in the park's pool and enjoyed lots children's activities during the fun-filled day.

Pieces of a larger-than-life Canada Day cake were also served for free for the hundreds in attendance.

"It takes a couple of days to make," said Penny Freeman of Penny's Home Baking, the cake supplier.

The official ceremony was kicked off by the singing of O Canada in French and English by young Kerlie Boisette, a native of Haiti who has only been in this country for eight months.

She was joined by supporters from the Haitian group at the multicultural society, a place they said makes new Canadians feel at home.

"They helped us out a lot," said Naomie Cesar, another Haitian new to Canada. "We have our own counsellor there."

Claire Masswohl, executive director of the multicultural centre, said the turnout was "excellent."

The weather for the event was ideal, as the sun shone brilliantly through clear skies throughout the afternoon. Masswohl said she especially enjoys seeing clients from the multicultural centre at the event.

"They feel very special to be here," she said.

Working there, Masswohl said she often reflects on the things regular Canadians sometimes take for granted. Many immigrants go through a grueling process to come here, she said, first arriving as a refugee and having to wait years before earning landed immigrant status.

They can then apply for citizenship.

"Every time I go to a citizenship ceremony, I have to put Kleenex in my pocket, because you don't realize how lucky you are to be in a country that's actually yours," said Masswohl.

Bands entertained the crowds throughout the afternoon and fireworks at sunset concluded the party.

Welland MP John Maloney and MPP Peter Kormos were on hand to extend greetings.