Prepare for an ocean of red and white from sea to shining sea as Canada Day activities around North Simcoe take shape this weekend.
The nation’s 157th birthday will start early in Tay Township at 290 Park Street in Victoria Harbour.
On Friday, Canada Day celebrations “Under the Big Top” will begin at 4 p.m. with the start of the event, followed by the Lion’s steak-on-a-bun BBQ and music by the Indigenous band Song of Thunder Woman & Sky Man at 5 p.m., and extending at 8:30 p.m. with music by True Rodeo, Canada’s premier Blue Rodeo tribute band.
Saturday events continue on June 29 in Victoria Harbour with artisans and crafters at 11 a.m., the grand parade at noon, opening ceremonies at 1 p.m., and music straight through until the night. At 2 p.m. the Kempencelts Folk Band will play, with Bustin Loose at 4 p.m., Tyler French at 5:45 p.m., and finally Fleetwood Mac “Mania” at 8:30 p.m. as the continent’s "number-one" Fleetwood Mac tribute band.
Wristbands will be sold for $20 per night pre-sold and $25 at the gate, with no refunds. All proceeds will support the Georgian Bay General Hospital MRI fundraiser.
For information on Tay Township activities, visit the Tay Canada Day celebrations website.
While Sunday June 30 is a day off from festivities, the big parties start on Monday July 1 around the area.
Starting at 10:30 a.m. at the Midland waterfront of Bayshore Drive and King Street, the annual Midland Civitan Canada Day Parade will be showcasing floats and entertainment southbound to Little Lake Park Road beside the North Simcoe Sports and Recreation Centre, before heading along the route through the park to the concluding exit near Yonge Street and Eighth Street at approximately 11 a.m.
Within Little Lake Park, festivities will include an artisan and craft market, childrens’ entertainers and play area, buskers, and more. Food and drink will be available from vendors.
Live music throughout the day will start with Déjà Vu performing at 11:30 a.m., Renaissance Band at 12:35 p.m., Dylan Lock at 1:40 p.m., Bustin Loose at 2:55 p.m., and finishing with Dance Factor at 4:10 p.m.
Information on the Canada Day parade, its route, and Little Lake Park events, vendors and map can be found on the Midland website.
The neighbouring town of Penetanguishene isn’t to be outdone, as Canada Day celebrations are happening at the Penetanguishene Centennial Museum at 13 Burke Street from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Hosted by the Friends of the Museum, the free event will include a cash-only BBQ, with free cupcakes and cannon fire taking place at 2 p.m. Music will be provided by Passport, Ariko, and Hy 5 Country. Various kids activities, art exhibits, character meet and greets with Bluey and Bingo (from 1 to 2 p.m.), and more will be on hand.
Information on the Canada Day events are available on the Penetanguishene Centennial Museum website.
To round off the long weekend’s holiday festivities, a fireworks display will be shown at Little Lake Park in Midland at dusk.
