Catherine O’Donnell, the creative force behind Willow Cakes and Pastries, will showcase a special cake at this year’s Canada Day parade on Queen Street, marking a dual celebration. Founded on Canada Day in 2004, Willow Cakes is commemorating its 20th anniversary alongside the nation’s birthday. To mark this milestone, the bakery has hosted a month-long event where patrons spending $20 or more during June received a complimentary Willow Wonka chocolate bar, each offering a chance to win prizes valued at $200 or more.
Sean O’Donnell, from Willow Cakes, shared that approximately 1,000 chocolate bars will have been distributed by month’s end. The prizes, totaling 25, include gift baskets and gift certificates, and will be awarded on July 1st following the traditional cake walk and cake cutting at Simcoe Park.
“This 20th anniversary is a special occasion for us,” Sean O’Donnell expressed. He noted that Catherine O’Donnell, in collaboration with a friend, conceptualized the idea of distributing prizes through the chocolate bars.
In addition to the novelty of the giveaway, the bakery designed a visually appealing graphic for the chocolate bar wrappers, featuring Catherine O’Donnell’s distinctive image. Each bar includes a golden ticket for prize redemption at the store after the parade.
This year, Willow Cakes will unveil the theme of its Canada Day cake ahead of the parade, a departure from their usual practice of keeping it a surprise until the event. Sean O’Donnell hinted that the theme will be whimsical and celebratory, incorporating Willow Wonka characters to reflect the bakery’s 20-year journey in business.
Despite a recent heatwave delaying preparations, Catherine O’Donnell is set to commence cake decorations soon, promising a spectacle that integrates the parade attendees into the cake design, while keeping the specific characters a delightful surprise.