Dancing at Crab Park Canada Day party

Elder Brenda Wesley demonstrates the dance of the whale at CRAB park at today's Canada Day Celebration

Only a few people accepted her invitation to dance, but as they rose and moved to the drum – which became “the heartbeat of the Earth” – the sun made a brief, magnificent appearance.

It was the only time I saw the sun all day.

In this photo are two of the blankets created in celebration of the four lifespans of the ages: newborns, grandmothers, adults, and tiny tots. Each blanket, which contains a story within it, was presented to someone from each age group.

Volunteers served hundreds of hotdogs and people lay on the grass enjoying the music of Circus In Flames, Micheal VanEyes and his Lot, and Blackberry Wood.

“2010 marks the 23rd year of Crab Park as an official park for the people of the downtown eastside,” reads the Facebook invite that gave me the idea to check out the festivities. “This is your park, not a private corporate entity’s park. Crab Park is a much-needed, waterfront greenspace in the immediate area of the downtown eastside. Come out and experience the beauty of this park and take in some fabulous music as well!”

So I accepted the invitation and went down there with my son. We had lots of great conversations with local folks – including a man named Paul who volunteers with youth at the Carnegie Centre gym. Paul had been watching Toby wrestling gleefully with a new friend and said he sees a future in wrestling for my boy. Toby beamed with happiness, completely flattered, and showed Paul his flexed arm muscles.

Paul nodded at the flexed muscle and said: “Oh I know. I can see it! Just make sure you eat a lot – and be good to your mom!”