Local Vibe

It is time to celebrate our country’s 143rd birthday, and no matter where you live there are going to be lots of events and activities for the whole family to enjoy. All across this great land people will come together to celebrate, and Southern Ontario is no exception. For obvious reasons we couldn’t possibly highlight everything going on, however we would be letting you down if we didn’t throw some ideas out there for a few events. Oh yeah, did we mention that these are all FREE!

In Cambridge Riverside Park is the place to be with activities going on all day. Cambridge Celebrates Canada Day kicks off at 8:00 am on July 1, 2010 with a Carp Fishing Derby. Our 36th Annual parade starts at 1:00 pm from King & Bishop and follows King St. to Riverside Park. The Children’s Activity Centre returns this year from 2:00-6:00pm with lots of free activities for kids. Also featured during the day is a Beer Garden, live music, Rib fest and midway rides June 30th and July 1st. Donations GREATLY appreciated during the parade and as you enter the park.

Kitchener has their own celebrations taking place at the University of Waterloo North Campus on the Columbia Lake fields. Live music will performing on the Main Stage, including The Guys, Rory McDonald and the Yvonne Heely Band, Shaun Sutter, Trap Tiger, The Waterboys, The Rosewoods, Vinyl Heart, Hello Bella, Rufus John, and Breaching Vista. The schedule is posted HERE to find out who is playing when. There is also a Children’s Stage, Arts and Craft Fair, Mini Olympics, Face Painting, and we can’t forget the fireworks.

London will join every other Canadian city with their own version of Canada Day celebrations. The event will kick off at 10:30 am with the Singing of O Canada by the Canadian Tenors and dropping of the puck by His Excellency James Wright, High Commissioner for Canada to start off the Trafalgar Street Hockey cup. This will be accompanied by street performances by Cirque du Soleil and live performances from musicians including Eccodek, Radio Radio, Richie Hawtin, Jully Black, Dan Mangan, David Celia, Sarah Harmer, Kiesza, La Patere Rose, and Hawksley Workman. For a full version of the schedule please visit the Canada Day London website HERE.

As mentioned above, this is just a starting list of a few things going on. Canada Day isn’t like Octoberfest; It is something that every Canadian holds close to their heart as more than just another day off work. Almost every city in Canada will have their own version of events, so make sure you do your part and head out and enjoy the day. The weather appears to be cooperating in our part of the country, so no excuses!!! I would also encourage you to chime in here in the comment section to tell us where you plan to spend your day, or please feel free to come back and let us know how you enjoyed the activities once the day is over.