Port Hope plans vibrant Canada Day celebrations
File Photo.
By Cecilia Nasmith
A vibrant mix of new experiences and cherished traditions is planned for the Municipality of Port Hope as it gears up for its annual Canada Day celebrations, designed for all ages to enjoy.
And the finish of the Walton Street reconstruction means the parade can return to its traditional route through the downtown – though there will be a modified start-and-staging area due to the Victoria Street reconstruction project. The parade kick off at the corner of Julia and Ridout at 11 a.m., travels down Walton, then turns on to Queen Street to finish at Town Hall. The route offers lots of viewing locations, so bring your friends and family, spread out and enjoy.
There's also celebration prior to the parade, with dusk on June 30 bringing the Canada Day Edition of Movies in the Park – featuring Wild Robot. Bring blankets and lawn chairs to set up under the stars in Memorial Park for a family-friendly experience. CUPE Local 416 is also offering a free community barbecue during the show to celebrate the holiday.
Then, on July 1, choose your agenda from a wide variety of offerings.
8 to 11 a.m. - Port Hope Lions Club offers a Sugarbush Breakfast of pancakes, sausages and syrup
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. - The Canada Day Show 'n' Shine car show features antique, classic and custom vehicles on the front lawn of Town Hall and Rotary Park
10 to 11 a.m. - Yoga In The Park is a guided stretch-out on the back lawn at Town Hall
11 a.m. - As the Canada Day Parade begins, the Refreshment Gardens open in Memorial Park, hosted by the Port Hope and District Agricultural Society until 10 PM
11 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Food vendors and activity stations (including mini-putt, bouncy castles, laser tag, soccer and more) will be available in Memorial Park, Town Hall lawn and Augusta Street
11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. - Port Hope Library opens its Program Room as a cooling and sensory-friendly area
11:45 a.m. - Official opening ceremonies at the bandshell include the singing of O Canada, greetings from Mayor Olena Hankivsky and cupcakes from Queenies Bake Shop.
1 to 4 p.m. - Free wagon rides are offered through the historic downtown, with pick-up location on Queen Street in front of the library.
Entertainment runs all afternoon in Memorial Park, starting with Deputy Fire Chief Darryl Thompson singing O Canada at 11:45 a.m. Thereafter, enjoy Soul Shakers Union from noon to 2 p.m., Vinyl Groovz Band from 2 to 4 p.m., Carla and her Latin Train from 4 to 6 p.m., Greatest of Ease from 6 to 8 p.m., and Storm the Palace from 8 to 10 p.m.
Meanwhile, down at East Beach, DJ Chris Martel will be spinning tunes starting at 9:30 p.m. to lead up to the spectacular fireworks display to be launched at the pier at 10:15 p.m.
“Each year on July 1, Canada Day offers a meaningful opportunity for our community to come together, to connect, celebrate and reflect,” Hankivsky said in the announcement.
“We also recognize that this day holds different meanings for many, including Indigenous Peoples, for whom it is a time to honour truth and the on-going journey toward reconciliation.
“As we gather in our downtown, let us acknowledge the full history of this land, commit to learning from it, and move forward in a spirit of respect, understanding and inclusion.”
Many generous supporters have come together to ensure shared and engaging experiences on this occasion, including the Government of Canada – a full list of sponsors is available at porthope.ca/canada-day.
The day's full schedule is on the municipal website's Events page, as well as a variety of great Canadian comment, including the Port Hope Library's recommended Canadian reading lists, the National Film Board's curated Canadian-film selection, important Indigenous resources, and an invitation to explore local trails and parks to connect with nature.
