Canada Day celebrations – and Waterfront Festival – coming to Cobourg
Image provided through unsplash, taken by Jason Hafso
By Cecilia Nasmith
The Town of Cobourg is preparing for a vibrant Canada Day celebration that will bring a parade, live entertainment, family-friendly activities and a fireworks finale as part of the annual Cobourg Waterfront Festival.
Canada Day Parade
The parade steps off at 11 a.m. from King and William streets (in front of the Cobourg Public Library) and proceeds east on King Street to Victoria Park. Fare Share Food Bank will be accepting donations at the beginning of the parade – non-perishable food donations as well as cash and card (tap) donations. Community groups, local businesses, marching bands or other organizations that still wish to register a float, vehicle or walking entry can still do so until Thursday, June 25, and it's free – the registration form is on-line.
Entertainment
Emcee York Bell-Smith will preside over the opening ceremonies at the Victoria Park bandshell at 12:30, followed by live music and entertainment until 9:30 p.m. - not to mention the amusement rides, breakfast in the park, food vendors, the Lions Marketplace and a refreshment tent. In Rotary Harbourfrong Park, Cobourg's Multicultural Celebration will feature music, dance, performances, food vendors, Rotary HarbourArts and a refreshment tent.
Waterfront Festival
The Cobourg Waterfront Festival runs from Saturday, June 27, to Wednesday, June 1. A full schedule, including entertainment line-up, can be found at waterfrontfestival.ca
Visitor Information and Free Shuttle Service
The Experience Cobourg Tourism Information Hub is open at 35 Albert St. For information, directions and everything you need to make the most of your Canada day experience. And free Cobourg Waterfront Festival shuttles run every 30 minutes, with free parking at Northumberland Mall and the Cobourg Community Centre. Shuttle stops include at the mall (1111 Elgin St. W.) at the bus stop in front of Gates College, at the CCC (750 D'Arcy St.) at the west entrance doors, and also at the Tourism Information Hub and Cobourg Marina (103 Third St.). Please note – only service animals will be permitted to ride the shuttles.
Fireworks Finale, July 1
Canada Day celebrations in Cobourg are not complete until the annual fireworks show over the harbour at 10 p.m. sharp. Updates in the event of inclement weather will be posted on Experience Cobourg and the Town of Cobourg Facebook pages.
Road Closures
The Esplanade – Saturday, June 20, to Wednesday, July 1
Division Street, south of Albert – Thursday, June 25, to Wednesday, July 1
Charles Street – Friday, June 26, to Wednesday, July 1
Wednesday, July 1 only, King Street between William and D'Arcy Street will be closed from 7 a.m. until the Canada Day Parade is complete. No overnight parking is permitted on King Street from Tuesday, June 30, to Wednesday, July 1. Vehicles left on King Street along the Canada Day Parade route will be ticketed and towed.
Parking Lot Closures
Albert Street lot – Wednesday, June 24, through Wednesday, July 1
Marina parking lot – Closed (except for boaters) Saturday, June 27, Sunday, June 28, and Wednesday, July 1
The Esplanade parking lot – Wednesday, June 24, through Wednesday, July 1
For more information, visit ExperienceCobourg.ca/CanadaDay
