Cathy Dobson
Canada’s 150th birthday is almost here and the party is on!
There won’t be another weekend offing so much to do in our area for some time, and most of it is free family fun.
Sarnia has added Friday night festivities in Centennial Park to its already huge annual celebrations. That includes more for children to do in the park while awaiting the fireworks on July 1.
“We enhanced activities there for the 150th and invite everyone to bring a lawn chair and come on down to the park to enjoy the buskers, the food vendors and the music,” said Canada Day Committee chair Becky Wellington.
Point Edward and St. Clair Township are also planning community parties specifically for the 150th. We’ve assembled this guide to help you plan your weekend. Have a great time!
POINT EDWARD
Thursday, June 29, beginning 5:30 p.m. at Waterfront Park
The just-for-this-special-occasion Point Edward youth choir will sing O Canada! Followed by speeches and the awarding of the new Maynard & Rene Walker Family Scholarship by their daughter, Mary Ellen.
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation will be recognized for its casino revenue contribution of $2,352,526 to the village in the past year.
Free pizza, bottled water and cupcakes for everyone at about 6:30 p.m., with a merry-go-round and an inflatable obstacle course.
Bring lawn chairs and blankets for outdoor movie night starting around 9:30 p.m. on a 30-foot screen. Family classic E.T. is showing.
Festivities move to the Point Edward Optimist Hall by the arena if it rains.
SARNIA
Friday, June 30 in Centennial Park
All-ages concert with a licensed area, featuring Painkiller Jane at 7:30 p.m. and Canadian award winner singer/songwriter Jim Witter at 9 p.m. on the new Suncor Agora stage.
Gates open 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 1
11 a.m. – 4 p.m. in Canatara Park
Canada Day Parade starts 11:30 a.m. on Lakeshore Road. Word is this will be one of the biggest in memory.
Traditional Sarnia Canada Day activities including multicultural food booths and performances, art vendors, and music at the bandshell. Opening ceremonies at 1:30 p.m. with cupcakes.
Kids games and shows in the field, and a Family Fun Zone with a Velcro wall and temporary glitter tattoos. Magic shows, historical fashion show and special performances by dancers and hula hoop artists.
A giant birthday card to sign as well as an interactive photo op for the 150th.
5 p.m. – 10 p.m. at Centennial Park
Local musicians on the new Suncor Agora stage including Roundhouse, Yasgurs Farm, Kira-Jade Nixon and Miss Atomic Bomb Duo.
Canada 150th Birthday Cake courtesy the Holiday Inn at 6:30 p.m.
Entertainment on the waterfront, music and inflatables until the fireworks show starts over Sarnia Bay at 10 p.m.
ST. CLAIR TOWNSHIP
Saturday, July 1
3 p.m. – 10 p.m. at the Moore Sports Complex, 1166 Emily St., Mooretown
Chairperson Linda Kennedy says St. Clair’s first-ever Canada Day party is hosted by the municipality and numerous sponsors.
There’s a huge amount of community spirit in the family friendly celebration, she said.
A small parade from Mooretown School to the civic centre kicks things off at 3 p.m.
Opening ceremonies at the new Sesquicentennial Parkette at 3:30 p.m. with a 403 flyover.
Children’s talent showcase at 4 p.m; museum demonstrations, inflatables and face painting.
Suncor is sponsoring a free family swim from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. Please visit www.stclairtownshipcommunityservices.ca for admission standards to the pool.
Free hotdogs, hamburgers and entertainment by Scott Manery & the Barnburners starting at 7 p.m.
Fireworks start at 10 p.m. over the golf course thanks to $25,000 in financial support from Shell. Viewing is best from the civic centre.
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