Call it the political version of a Canadian fall classic.
The large and diverse crowd that gathered on the grounds of Rideau Hall to witness the arrival of the new Liberal government found themselves framed by a dazzling blue sky and a sun-streaked canvas of autumn foliage.
They watched on large video screens dotted around the grounds as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his new cabinet took their oaths. As the names were called, they applauded and cheered like the crowd at a sporting event greeting the starting line-up on the day of a big game.
A pair of noticeably loud roars went up when the names of political rookie and former aboriginal chief Jody Wilson-Raybould and former party leader Stephane Dion were announced as the new ministers of justice and foreign affairs.
Some biked, many pushed strollers, but they came mainly on foot, and ranged from toddlers to seniors. At least one puffed on a joint. They lined one outer wall of the Rideau Hall grounds for at least three blocks waiting to get in.
"It's quite a time in history and I'm just excited to be a part of the movement," said Pippa McDougall, 22.
It was a sentiment expressed by many, including a few older members of the crowd who fondly recalled the current prime minister's father, Pierre Elliott Trudeau.
Bob Johnston recalled the elder Trudeau being sworn in as prime minister almost 50 years ago.
"Canada's been at a fork in the road," Johnston said. "We've taken the correct fork and I want to feel like I'm part of the first step."
Debbie Martin, a retired nurse from Peterborough, recalled the Trudeaumania years of the late 1960s.
"Canadians are sensing — I don't want to say renewal — but a change in things and are optimistic what they might be."
Jack Skelly, 16, of Crofton, B.C., said that even though he wasn't old enough to vote, he cared deeply about the future of the country.
"And when I can vote, he's still going to be prime minister, so it doesn't really matter to me because this is the person I would like running our country," he said.
"Seeing him getting sworn in is like maybe a once-in-a-lifetime chance."
Lisa Chrolavicius, 38, of Ottawa, watched the arrival with five-month-old son Justin cradled to her chest.
The name of her son, she said, was a coincidence, "but we thought we'd see if Justin could meet Justin."
Chrolavicius said she came to "feel the positive energy" of her country.
Others let out a figurative exhale, as they looked back at what they saw as problems with almost 10 years of Conservative government.
That included some public servants — current and past — who reflected on the former government.
"Civil servants are happy. I'm looking forward to Canada having a more positive voice on the world stage," said Jonathan Page, 44, of Ottawa, with his six-year-old daughter, Cara, on his shoulders and his 10-year-old, Madison, by his side.
Page said his work for the Canada Border Services Agency has taken him to developing countries in East Africa and the Caribbean. He said Canada has always tried to make a difference, "but I think we can do a lot more."
Cyril Nair, Ottawa, 75, a retired economist who measured health outcomes, said Canada is no longer attracting the best and brightest researchers to government "because people have not been able to express themselves the way they should."
"We need some good, evidence-based research in this country."
Nair said he was excited to see "a young person" with "an open mind" running the country. But he also hoped Canadians temper their high expectations for their new prime minister.
"We've got to give the young man a chance," he said. "I don't expect things to be done very quickly, but I expect over time, we will see some change."
This content appears as provided to The Globe by the originating wire service. It has not been edited by Globe staff.