It’s time to paint the town red.
The Town of Bonnyville will be celebrating Canada’s birthday with their annual family festivities.
Recreation assistant for the municipality, Doreen Kushnir, outlined the events scheduled July 1, and how locals can get together to celebrate the maple leaf.
“There’s different activities for everybody, and it’s a day for families,” she noted.
The fun starts with a pancake breakfast at Sobey’s first thing in the morning and, as always, will include fireworks at dusk.
Opening ceremonies kick-off at the Bonnyville Museum at 11 a.m., with the parade making its way down main street at 3 p.m.
Kushnir said anyone interested in joining the lineup are welcome to do so, all they have to do is meet up at the local rodeo grounds an hour before the parade.
“They can just show up, and they can call the Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce with any questions,” she added.
This year, they’re asking parade participants to refrain from tossing candy from the float into the waiting hands of children in order to avoid young ones from running into the street and getting hurt.
Instead, Kushnir suggests walking the route alongside the float and handing any treats out to families.
Following the parade, everyone is invited to Little Leap Park for even more activities.
Face painting, bouncy houses, and balloon and tattoo artists will be on-hand to keep little ones busy throughout the afternoon.
By hosting a wide-variety of activities, Kushnir said the town is keeping it open to people of all ages.
“We’re proud to be Canadian, and it’s just a fun day for everybody to get together and have a good time.”
With over 20 years of experience putting on a Canada Day event, the town believes their celebration has something for everyone.
For those who enjoy live music, the town has invited acts such as local musician Kevan Vachon to hit the stage.
Live entertainment starts at 6:30 p.m. with Eversky, followed by Vachon, Renee Malo, Mike Plume, the Krowns, and headliner Barney Bentall, who will wrap it up starting at 10:30 p.m.
Whether it’s the pancake breakfast, parade, or family activities at the beach, Kushnir said the town is happy to have a free event that brings the community together to celebrate being Canadian.
For more information on the event, contact the Town of Bonnyville at 780-826-3496.
