News and Events
Ottawa Friends of Iceland June 17 picnic
The temperature was a beautiful 29 degrees, and the sun was shining in a hazy sky
Fifty guests opened the picnic with the raising of the Icelandic flag and the singing of the Icelandic national anthem in Icelandic.
The host was the Master of Ceremonies, and he welcomed the guests to the picnic.
Ambassador Markús Örn Antonsson outlined the history about how June 17 became the date for Independence Day. Honourary Consul David Franklin, from Montreal , gave a short talk about his experiences in a recent visit to Iceland , and his role as Consul. 
There were boat rides on Mississippi Lake; a play area for the children was open all day; there was a sheep show by Stefania Sveinbjarnadottir of Yeoman Farm which was a great attraction for parents and the many young children at the picnic. 
The great hit of the picnic was an Icelandic horse show from Hidden Valley with four horses, where different cants were demonstrated, and a wonderful demonstration of different formats of circles, line ups, and wheeling in perfect forms. The grand finale was a champagne ride where each of the four riders held high a full glass of champagne, and at a high speed, came down the field with each glass still full at the end of the ride. The crowd was astounded at this show of horsemanship. 
After the show there were rides for the children which was enjoyed by many children, thanks to Janet Strome and David Mattinson, with Vern and Judy Seligy as additional drivers .
The shared foods and drink were enjoyed in the Great Hall of the special building on the property around 5:00 p.m.
The hosts offered fireworks, a bonfire, and Icelandic music far into the evening for those willing to participate. However, many of us left earlier in the evening for the one hour drive back to Ottawa , after a thoroughly enjoyable celebration of Iceland ’s Independence Day.
-Lou Howard
