Now, wasn’t that a party!

OTTAWA — As people dissect the Grey Cup, one thing not up for debate is how this year’s game and its festivities rank amongst the 105 such parties. It’s up there with the greatest of ’em. The game’s drama, excitement and setting was hard to beat, giving viewers across Canada another broadcast for the ages.

Shania Twain arriving on a dogsled, wearing the sparkliest, most wonderful long johns in Canadian lore added to a slice of Canadiana that saw her perform in a TD Place snow globe that made the evening that much more magical.

A couple dozen dudes armed with hockey jerseys and tiny shovels made for comic relief in their futile attempt to keep the field clear between whistles.

The scene capped a wonderfully organized week that saw the Grand National Drunk return to Ottawa for the first time since the Redblacks brought the CFL back to town. Cowboy hats and costumes of every shape and colour spiced up the city all week, jamming bars and hospitality parties in the Byward Market as well as the new stadium district, which is the envy of the CFL.

Without having to build a new stadium, the Ottawa Redblacks conspired with city officials to turn a former parking lot and dead zone adjacent to old Lansdowne Stadium into a vibrant new entertainment district locals can enjoy all year round. What a novel idea, eh Calgary?

Bravo and thank-you Ottawa for the most enjoyable of the dozen Grey Cups I’ve attended.