THUNDER BAY – If you are wondering what to do this Friday to celebrate Canada’s Birthday, here are some ideas.
To get your day going, you are also invited to celebrate Canada’s Birthday at Canada’s largest fur trade post! There is something for everyone at Fort William Historical Park on Canada Day:
- Games
- Contests (Show off your Canada pride!)
- Grand Arrival of the Brigades
- Make a Canada Day hat and enter to win a prize
- Entertainment
- Face Paint
- Cake
- Drama and more!
Admission to Fort William Historical Park on Canada Day is free. For more information visit www.fwhp.ca
Starting at 5:00 the fun shifts over to Marina Park. Recreation & Culture Division staff have announced details about the Canada Day celebration scheduled for the evening of Friday, July 1 at Marina Park and Water Street. The celebration begins at 5:30 pm, with entertainment and activities for people of all ages. Admission is free. With past attendance estimates of over 20,000, Canada Day remains Thunder Bay’s largest, annual single day event.
“This year, the Canada Day celebration is all about bringing together favoured classics with new and dynamic activities and special guests to attract people of all ages,” said Kayla Berst, Canada Day Coordinator. “Specifically, Water Street will be booming with incredible programming to enhance the truly northern festival atmosphere”.
Starting at 5:00PM, The Music Place in association with the City of Thunder Bay, the Urban Boutique and iCanada are proud to present “The Big Show @ the Marina”.
This event features some of Thunder Bay’s best emerging talent. Featured are Andrew Hamilton (2011 Urban Star Semifinalist), Erin Junkala, Justin Dusanko Juliann Robbins and many more!
Dj Plan B will be holding it down on the 1’s and 2’s all night! The event will be hosted by none other than Northern Remix Records Artists Dele O and Kid Canada, with a live perfomance to follow. The Urban Boutique will be on hand debuting their latest selections for men and women alike!
There are two main stages that will host a variety of performers from 5:30 pm to 11 pm. The 2011 lineup is complete with top-notch, local artists guaranteed to provide great entertainment at both the OLG Main Stage in Marina Park, and the second stage located at the Pagoda on Water Street.
The Celebration Station area will include activities by Playgrounds staff and performances by Paramount LIVE, the Thunder Bay Improv Group, Chaban Ukrainian Dancers and the captivating Academy Afrah Middle Eastern Dancers. Be sure to bring along your own conga, cowbell or cutlery to join in the Open Community Drum Circle hosted by Sean Jesseau from Music Workshop. The Thunder Bay Roller Derby League and the Thunder Bay Parkour Club will also be in attendance.
For safety concerns due to construction at Prince Arthur’s Landing, there will not be a Canada Day parade this year. Instead, there will be a Canada Day procession starting at 6:15 pm from the corner of Cumberland and Camelot Streets. It will be led by the Thunder Bay Police Pipes and Drums, the Royal Canadian Legion Colour Party, Mayor Keith Hobbs and local dignitaries, as well as some of our local sports teams.
The Canada Day celebrations also include a grand finale, with a fireworks display scheduled to begin at 11 pm.
There will be no parking allowed in the park on July 1. Free parking is available at the Heart of the Harbour Parkade (18 N Court St). Free shuttle buses will be running from the Community Auditorium, Intercity Shopping Centre and the Thunder Bay 55 Plus Centre from 4:30 pm through to 12:30 am. No personal fireworks or alcohol will be allowed on the grounds.
All Beer Stores will be closed on Friday, July 1, 2011 to observe the Canada Day statutory holiday. All Beer Stores will observe Friday hours of sale on Thursday, June 30th and regular hours of sale on Saturday and Sunday.
