Don’t know where to go and what to do this Canada Day, Tuesday, July 1? We’ve got you covered. Here is a full list of events happening around the region.
Nelson
Beginning at 8 a.m. July 1st, the Nelson Lions Club will once again take over the 500 block of Baker St for the annual Canada Day Pancake Breakfast fundraiser. Enjoy pancakes, sausages, coffee, juice and more, before you head to Lakeside Park for a day of exciting festivities.
The Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce has organized a free family friendly fun day to commemorate Canada Day in Nelson.
There will be activities and Canada Day Indigenous events held over the course of the day at the Rotary Lakeside Park. Beginning at 10:00am, the Opening Ceremonies with local dignitaries will celebrate our diversity, culture, inclusiveness, and working together for reconciliation.
Don’t miss out on the giant Canada Day birthday cake that will be served and shared at 11 a.m. by Chamber Directors and local dignitaries. The entertainment will follow until 10 p.m. where you will get to experience fireworks over Kootenay Lake.
Trail
The City of Trail invites everyone to join Canada Day celebrations at Gyro Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
There will be free games, face painting and balloon creations, as well as, an opening ceremony and cake cutting from noon, and live music with Jason Thomas.
Castlegar
Join City of Castlegar Mayor and Council on Tuesday, July 1 for free activities to celebrate Canada Day at Millennium Park and Ponds.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., enjoy a free, family-friendly event, packed with fun for all ages. There will be live entertainment, over 12 vendors will be set up, free hamburgers (while supplies last) and Canada Day cake. There will be a Kids Play Zone with face painting, activities and tattoos, stickers, flags, beach balls and more!
There is a free shuttle provided by MTI starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Castlegar and District Complex with pickup at the Museum and drop-off at Millennium Parks and Ponds and returning to the complex. It will run every 30 minutes with the last ride out of Millennium at 3:30 p.m.
Creston
Come out for Canada Day at Canyon Park, located at 4725 Samuelson Road, where a full day of family-friendly fun, food, and festivities is planned. Events include a free live music from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
There will be a pancake breakfast from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. with the proceeds going to the Canyon Community Association.
Other activities include local vendors, kids’ games, a dunk tank, a horse show and more.
Grand Forks
The Boundary Country Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Boundary Museum and Archives join efforts to host the Canada Day celebrations in Grand Forks.
On July 1st, the parade will go through town at 10 a.m., before the festivities begin at the Boundary Museum grounds on Reservoir Road. There, people will be able to enjoy several performances by local artists, bouncy castles for kids, food vendors, as well as face painting artists.
This is a free community event made possible by the City of Grand Forks and the contribution of many local volunteers.
Did we miss any events? Let us know Submit News Tip – My Kootenay Now.
Stay safe, plan ahead for Canada Day weekend
As people make plans for the Canada Day weekend, it’s important to be prepared and stay safe as warm temperatures, dry conditions and wildfire risk continue in many parts of the province.
People are encouraged to stay vigilant and up to date on local fire bans and restrictions and have an emergency plan in place that is shared with friends and family.
People heading outdoors this weekend are reminded to plan ahead, carry safety gear and follow all instructions from local governments and First Nations. Before you head out, check ahead for road closures, evacuation alerts, evacuation orders and any fire prohibitions in effect.
The province this Canada Day
British Columbia continues to face prolonged drought in many regions, and below-average precipitation is contributing to increased wildfire and water supply concerns. Everyone is encouraged to use water efficiently and follow any local watering restrictions.
Several open-burning prohibitions are in place around the province and will be updated as conditions change. People planning to have campfires should do so safely, following any local prohibitions. Avoid having a campfire when it’s windy, choose a proper fire pit or make a ring of rocks at least three metres from trees, shrubs, structures and debris, and do not leave a campfire unattended.
The BC Wildfire Service relies on the public for reporting wildfires quickly. Approximately 40 per cent of new fires are reported by the public. If you see smoke or flames, report it immediately by calling *5555 on a cellphone or 1 800 663-5555, toll-free.
The BC Wildfire Service mobile app allows people to report new wildfires and submit photos, which helps BC Wildfire Service make informed decisions. People can use the app for the most up-to-date information on the current wildfire situation, road conditions, evacuation information and weather forecasts.
People travelling in B.C. are encouraged to know before they go. You can plan ahead and get the latest road conditions and updates here: https://www.drivebc.ca/
Drivers on routes throughout the province this summer should expect higher-than-average traffic volumes and plan accordingly.
General tips for a safe trip include:
- allowing additional time to get to your destination due to more people on roads
- making sure your vehicle is ready for the drive by having a full tank of gas or charged battery, checking engine oil, washer fluid, lights and tires, including the spare
- packing food and water for passengers and pets
- planning breaks at rest areas
- watching for motorcyclists and sharing the road with cyclists and other users
- obeying all posted speed limits and driving with caution, especially during bad weather
- leaving the phone alone while behind the wheel, and
- ensuring all passengers always use seatbelts.
