With a number of things closed for New Year's Day, the doors of the 11th Field Artillery Regiment near Downtown Guelph were open to welcome residents of all ages to 2023.
The artillery support group hosted a New Year's Levée Sunday afternoon at the regiment's Wyndham Street location.
It's a social event, one that's evolved over the centuries they've been held.
"The fact of having levées is an old custom," said Ret. Col. Gary Burton, the chairman of the artillery support group. "It would've started with the land owners would have all their people come to their big house and be fed, and participate on New Year's Day."
While levées are held in multiple countries, the New Year's Levée is mainly considered a Canadian observance, with a long tradition in the Canadian Forces.
Local military personnel, both retired and active, mingled with residents of all ages. A large spread of food was available, along with drinks. But the open door policy on this day was the important thing.
"I think it's important for the military to be seen to be connecting with the citizens," Burton said.
He said being able to open the doors once or twice a year gives them an opportunity to also show what's going on in a building not everyone gets to access, a building many citizens drive by every day.
But this particular event was extra special, the first New Year's Levée at the regiment since before the pandemic.
"It's great to be back," Burton said. "We got a decent turnout, so it's nice."
