Mother Nature couldn’t decide what to do about the weather on Canada’s 145th birthday this morning, so the Athletes In Kind annual run in Pitt Meadows started off with a soggy bang.

By the time the runners returned the rain had stopped and started several times.

The fastest run in the eight-kilometre fundraiser was by 16-year-old Nathan Wadhwani, followed closely for second place by 15-year-old Reid Muller. The third runner to cross the finish line was also the first female, Olivia Willett, a teenager from Coquitlam.

At the other end of the age scale was Bruce Johnson, coming in first in the 70 and older category.

By the time the Pitt Meadows’ official ceremonies started at 10:30 a.m., and the colour guard raised the flags, the weather began cooperating.

Dolores Lutner was recognized as the 2012 volunteer of the year, and Canada Day youth community awards went to Ty Williamson, Joel Zavaglia, Lindsay Stadnik, Kal Manna, and Faran Mahboubi.

Over in Maple Ridge, the birthday ceremonies started a little later in the day and Memorial Peace Park was packed with dry and happy Canada Day party-goers.

The colour guard, RCMP, and Maple Ridge council members marched into the middle of the park, where O Canada and God Save the Queen were sung by 14-year-old local singer and songwriter Ria Diy.

Hundreds of kids, young and old, enjoyed face painting, craft making, games, comedy shows, music, and birthday cake.

Maple Ridge Mayor Ernie Daykin was “knighted” by “Queen Elizabeth,” who was “visiting” in honour of the queen’s Diamond Jubilee. Sir Daykin and Her Majesty were then treated to several live performances, along with all of the spectators who came out to see the festivities.

Stay tuned for more in upcoming online and print editions of The TIMES.