The Prince Rupert Special Events Society is inviting the community out to celebrate Canada’s Day on July 1, with a day of fun taking place at Mariner’s Park between noon and 4 p.m.
Joy Sundin with the Prince Rupert Special Events Society encourages people to “come on down and celebrate Canada’s 146th birthday”.
“We’d sure like people to come down in Canadiana costumes. Put on your best red and white costume and show off your Canadian pride,” Sundin said.
The celebration will begin with speeches by dignitaries, including Prince Rupert Mayor Jack Mussallem and North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice.
Following the speeches, plenty of birthday cake will be handed out with helpers distributing free Canadian flags, pins and memorabilia.
Prince Rupert musician Peter Witherly has been organizing a line up of bands to perform throughout the event including the Prince Rupert Community Band, the Muskeg Swing Band, Men Who Listen, the Prince Rupert Youth Fiddlers led by Andrew Goulet, Thursday Knights and France Riley.
“We’re going to have some great music,” Sundin said.
There will also be games and activities to keep children entertained, with games including three legged races, leap frog, spoon and egg races, backward races, the water balloon toss, wheelbarrow races, and activities such as face painting, tattoos and bubble blowing.
A number of multi-cultural food vendors will be setting up stands to selling a wide variety of delicious snacks and meals.
Wrapping up the Special Event Society’s Canada Day activities will be a firework display at 11:15 p.m. The volunteer Prince Rupert Fireworks team will spend two days setting up the firework display, which will best be seen from Mariner’s Park.
Fireworks will be weather permitting, but will not happen if there is fog, low clouds or high winds.