THUNDER BAY – There is plenty of family-friendly fun in store as Fort William Historical Park celebrates Canada Day, Sunday, July 1st. Tasty birthday cake, games, contests, heritage vignettes, and loads of family-oriented activities highlight the festivities.
Kids can join in outdoor games and contests, along with crafts and face painting. Canoe rides are also happening throughout the day. Youngsters can also win prizes visiting the historic buildings during the 1815 Scavenger Hunt. Visitors can experience some heritage drama with the betrothal ceremony at 11:30 am in the Native Encampment and the arrest of the blacksmith at 3:15 pm in the Trades Square.
All visitors big and small will be invited to take on the costumed historic staff in a spirited round of tug o’ war at 1:15 pm also in the Main Square. Log sawing competitions happen at 3:30 pm in the Agret Yard.
Some heritage pomp and ceremony happens at 2:00 pm with the canoe arrival accompanied by bag pipers, and cannon and musket salutes, all serving as a prelude to the singing of O Canada at 2:15 pm in the Main Square. Patrons can enjoy servings of Canada Day birthday cake beginning at 2:20 p.m.
Visitors can dress their patriotic best to compete for prizes in the Canadian Pride contest at 3:00 pm at the Great Hall. Don your maple leafs, moose antlers, mackinaws, and other colourful thematic red-and-white garb to compete for great prizes.
Kam Valley Fiddlers, Bruce Hansen, and Rodney Brown round out the live entertainment at select times along the Fort’s own talented musicians. Visitors will also have the opportunity to experience solar viewing throughout the day. Food and beverages are available from snacks to a full buffet in the Cantine.
Everyone is invited to celebrate Canada Day at Fort William Historical Park, Sunday, July 1st. The Fort is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Canada Day Admission: Free. For more information, please visit our website at www.fwhp.ca.