NC professor and students support creation of popular community Canada Day cake in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Niagara College once again played a key role in a beloved tradition in Niagara-on-the-Lake, helping to create and serve the town’s annual Canada Day cake.
Baking and Pastry Arts Program Coordinator and Professor and owner of Willow Cakes & Pastries, Catherine O’Donnell, and NC students.
The large community cake, a highlight of the July 1 celebration, was created by Catherine O’Donnell, Baking and Pastry Arts Program Coordinator and Professor at NC and owner of Willow Cakes & Pastries. O’Donnell has been creating the cake for several years, with support from NC Baking and Pastry Arts students. This was O’Donnell’s 21st year making the cake and the first year she used NC’s on-campus culinary facilities to help bake it.
“It was wonderful to have Niagara College and current students once again take part in this cake,” said O’Donnell. “It was a magical, amazing day.”
The cake was designed with two forest animals, a rabbit and a skunk, dressed as bakers and surrounded by mini cakes and desserts. It was transported by a hitch wagon down Queen Street to Simcoe Park, where it was greeted by a large crowd. After two renditions of “O Canada,” the vanilla cake was served to attendees.
Baking and Pastry Arts student Lauryn Hunter said being involved in Niagara-on-the-Lake’s annual Canada Day cake was a highlight of her NC experience.
Students from a variety of NC programs supported the annual Canada Day tradition.
“Helping out with the Canada Day cake was a very special experience,” said Hunter. “Between helping bake the sponge and seeing how much joy the cake brought the community, it was amazing. It is not every day you get to be a part of a tradition like this so I’m thankful I got to be a small part of it this year.”
Students from several other NC programs also participated in the Canada Day parade and walked alongside the cake to Simcoe Park, including Business Administration – International Business, Hospitality and Restaurant Operations, Hospitality and Restaurant Operation Management, and Supply Chain Management.
The cake has grown over the years from a simple slab cake into a much-anticipated annual tradition made possible by O’Donnell, NC students, and support from the local community.
