Celebrations, protests and fireworks: Montrealers brave rainy Canada Day events

Montrealers came out in droves this rainy weekend to commemorate the 150thanniversary of the Canadian Confederation.

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Along with the annual parade and activities in the Old Port, there were alsoprotestsin downtown Montreal Saturday afternoon.

Demonstrators marched through the festivities under heavy police surveillance.

Festivities in Old Montreal

Old Montreal hosteda number of activities, including craft workshops, flag making and knot trying.

The military parade that was supposed to take place in honour of Canada's150th and Montreal's 375th anniversaries was cancelled again.

There wasa 21-cannon salute, face painting, art stations, cake,musical performances in the evening and of course, fireworks to cap off the day.

New Canadians weresworn in at 1 p.m. while the Canadian Armed Forces military band will oversee the raising of the flag.

The parade

While the weather isn't what many had hoped for, the parade in downtown Montreal went on as planned.

"It's only water,not soft drinks, not oil, just water. You get wet, then you dry off," said volunteer Lo Fauvel.

The parade kicked offat 11 a.m. on the corner of Fort andSte-Catherinestreets and wrapped up around 2 p.m. with the cutting of a giantcake made to feed thousands.

Local events

As part of the 375th anniversary of Montreal, LaGrande Tourne is going from park to park offering free circus performances and activities for families.

This weekend, they will be in Kent Park inCte-des-NeigesNotre-Dame-de-Grce.

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At theMarch des Possibles near the Rosemont overpass, there is afamily-friendly party including music, workshops and food. Admission is free.

You can also take advantage of the new lights on the Jacques Cartier Bridge by tweeting with the hashtag#Canada150to make it light up red.