There were no shortage of things to do around the Foothills yesterday  to celebrate the nations 149th birthday.

If you didn't want to take in the Dawgs baseball game or the Stamps home opener you could relax and enjoy some entertainment and good food at George Lane Park.

We spoke to people and asked what it meant to be Canadian or what Canada as a country meant to them and Norman Durieux summed it up pretty well.

Norman and Beverley Durieux. Photo - Jeff McLenaghan.

"I think probably is the freedom and the standard of living that we have compared to most of the world. Our ability to welcome other people and have a Hodge Podge of personalities and cultures and whatnot in our midst. That's a Canadian trait and I think it's important that we show the rest of the world that."

There seemed to be a common theme among people given the current situation in many parts of the world that freedom is what means the most.

Martin Miraflores from the Philippines says it means more options for him and his family.

L to R: Maricel and Nelson Deniega, Martin and Jeanne Miraflores. Photo - Jeff McLenaghan.

I reluctantly declined an invitation from Martin Miraflores to join his family and friends for lunch. They did prepare a delicious plate of food for me to enjoy later though. Photo - Jeff McLenaghan.

"We really love it here. We enjoy the place and the people. Back at home you know we are only a small country, but even though we are a small country we have a lot of people there. With all the competition to find work is really very hard. So, unlike here where there a lot more opportunities for our kids."

His wife Jeanne says Canada means safety for her and her family which provides her with peace of mind.

Everything from beef on a bun to a car show to bouncy castles were on hand to keep almost anyone entertained and well fed.

Jenn Podruski says it's easy to take the most basic things for granted.

Jenn Podruski (Sunglasses) with friends enjoying Canada Day festivities at George Lane Park. Photo - Jeff McLenaghan.

"I think being Canadian is about what we're doing today. Being out as a community, walking the dogs, we have this beautiful park. I think you really appreciate your own country when you travel, and that's one of the first things I notice when I come back into Canada. Everything is so convenient and there is so much space here."

She says she appreciates the cleanliness of restrooms in Canada compared to a lot of places she's visited around the world and adds the simple everyday freedoms mean the most to her.

L to R: Brooklynn Weeres, Pearl Hirst, Marnie Kultgen and 'Taco' enjoying the day. Photo - Jeff McLenaghan.

Photo - Jeff McLenaghan.

This dance group from Notre Dame Collegiate volunteered to put on a dance show for spectators at George Lane Park. Photo - Jeff McLenaghan.

Look out Stella, this lady never lost her groove. The music was so good some people couldn't sit still. Photo - Jeff McLenaghan.