As usual, there will a multitude of activities in various communities across the island celebrating Canada on July 1.
In the Cape Breton Regional Municipality, the two big events are on the Sydney waterfront and at Petersfield Provincial Park in Westmount.
The Sydney event, organized by the CBRM Recreational Department, takes place on the Boardwalk behind the Civic Centre on the Esplanade and features day long entertainment starting at 10:30 in the morning with Duncan Wells and the Apple In the Tree Band. The free performances continue until 4 pm with appearances by the Island Martial Arts Demo Team, Sean MacDonald, the Fitzgerald Irish Dancers, the Inspirational Singers, fiddler Dwyane Cote and Mario Colosimo, Back In Time, and Rock-It!
At noon, there will some (hopefully) short speeches by area politicians, the official flag raising, and the annual give away of Canada Day birthday cake.
As well, under the “big top”, various crafts folk and community organizations will have displays, and there will clowns, face painting, balloons, and activities for children. There will also be prizes for the best dressed in red and white.
At 7:30 pm, there will be another free concert with The Privateers.
The Petersfield Park celebrations, now in their 20th year, actually start at the County Recreational Centre on Keltic Drive. At 11 am, the Canada Day parade forms up there before proceeding the provincial park.
At the park, at 12:30 pm, there will be a bike parade followed by opening ceremonies for the day’s activities.
For the children, that includes Mad Science, the Big Bounce, the fun van, balloon creations, face painting, minnow races, a pie eating contest, bean bag toss, and many other games and races.
At 1:30 pm, M.C. Scott Purdie starts introducing the afternoon’s entertainers including The Pub Boys, Johnathan MacInnis, Riverside Road Band, Joe Peter MacLean, Sarah Musgrave, the Cape Breton School of the Arts dancers, Gold Tones, Final Cut, Margaurite Musgrave, Ann Marie Leslie, and Jeannie Ann MacLeod.
In Whitney Pier at Neville Park on Victoria Road, the Canada Day Party, sponsored by the Friends of Neville Park Society Neville Park, offers fun family activities, a talent show, Barbecue, and more free Canada Day cake. This event runs from 10 am to 2 pm.
The Fortress Louisbourg celebrates the nation’s birthday by offering free admission to the national historic site. 2011 also marks the 50th anniversary of the reconstruction of the fortified town and there’s no better time or place to explore our nation’s history. For more information, contact louisbourg.info@pc.gc.ca or phone (902) 733-2280.
In North Sydney, there is a free Canada Day concert on Archibald’s Wharf with Kim Dunn, Sam Moon, the Blues Merchants, Alter Ego and Tempted. There will also be a beverage tent run by the Kinsmen starting at 3:30 pm.
