Canadians of all different backgrounds milled about at the Milton Fair Grounds on Canada Day Tuesday.

Some were born here, and for others, like Mary Long, it took a little longer to arrive.

Long moved to Canada 41 years ago from Jamaica, and six years later, settled in Milton.

"I love Milton...it reminds me of a small town I grew up in, in Jamaica.

"Milton has given a lot to me in terms of personal growth," she added.

Long, a former town councillor, manned her own booth at the fair, selling Jamaican ice coffee.

"Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee is the best in the world. It's grown on hills and handpicked," she smiled.

She wasn't the only one bringing the world to Milton's doorstep.

A swearing-in ceremony at noon saw 35 new Canadian citizens, from more than 20 different countries, being inducted. These included Russia, Pakistan, Iran and Yugoslavia.

"It was very moving for the people who were there," said John Comber, who presided over the seven-member Milton Canada Day planning committee.

There wasn't just a diverse outpouring of people -- a few exotic animals paid Milton a visit as well.

Mane Attraction, a mobile petting zoo from Rockwood, was an instant draw for youngsters (and their parents). An ox, cow and llama gobbled food from outstretched hands. Patagonian cavies -- large relatives of guinea pigs that can jump seven feet high and gallop at 50 km/h -- and capybaras, the largest living rodent in the world, were quite an attraction.

Dance Revolution and Guitar Hero, computer simulation games, had Miltonians embracing the techie world in which they live. These were held in a building within the teen zone. Line-ups were constant throughout the day -- sometimes that meant standing outside the door.

The day also had its local charm.

Troy's Diner, now with two locations in town, sold big, fat, juicy hot dogs from its hot dog stand. It provided a cool down tent, where many visitors took refuge from the heat.

Visitors may have also been grateful for the freshly-squeezed lemonade stand, ice cream trucks and the variety of other food vendors, including Mr. Greek and the Knights of Columbus with its french fry truck. Not to mention the toffee apples and candy floss.

Wendy and Peter Macmillan represented Southside Community Church at the Lost and Found and Information booth, and by the afternoon were having a ball.

"I love it... I just love being in the community and seeing everyone get into the festivities," said Wendy. She and husband Peter have enjoyed living in Milton for the past 26 years.

SHOWING THEIR SPIRIT

In plain sight over the course of the day, many visitors were decked out in red, some with Canadian flags tattooed on their cheeks or arms, and others sporting Milton Canada Day T-shirts that were for sale at the event. Canadian flag stickers and pins were handed out to incomers at the front gate.

In addition to the atmosphere, Wendy especially enjoyed the birds of prey, snakes and Aerial Angels show, she said.

It was a great day overall.

"Even the Tupperware lady said she had a great day selling there," noted Comber.

"I thought the event was a tremendous success... I thought it was the biggest crowd we've ever had," he said.

An estimated $80,000 funded this year's event -- almost entirely privately donated. Every year, the Town of Milton supplies a cash amount as well as use of Town employees and machinery. Its contributions make up around 12 per cent of the total, said Comber. It's also the help of volunteers that makes the event possible. On Canada Day, there were about 25 of them besides the committee, with a view to ensuring lots -- and lots -- of fun.

Hence, the riveting entertainment all day long, including musical acts Scarecrow (a John Cougar Mellencamp tribute band) and Fleetwood Dreams (a Fleetwood Mac tribute band) late in the evening.

A highlight this year was an acrobatic troupe called Aerial Angels. Families sat on the grass inside the ring to witness the leaps and bounds of performers at different times throughout the day.

The dog show saw canine relay teams competing against each other with fervor, much to the amusement of the crowd that draped the surrounding fence.

And, on the Halton Turf and Tractor stage, thousands of personal insignia in permanent black marker filled the banner being sent to the Canadian Olympic athletes in Beijing.

This year, $3,000 was added to the fireworks budget, much to the appreciation of the crowd.

"It was solid... it was packed," said Comber. From atop a trailer, Comber could see people enjoying the fireworks from miles away.

"When the fireworks were going off... it actually lit up the ground," said Comber.

One of the most memorable moments for him, he said, was bearing witness to the sea of humanity -- smiling and enjoying all of it.