Some of the youngest celebrants of the nation’s birthday will be headed “up, up and away” for Canada Day in Pelham as Supermen and Wonder Women – and for a little royal flare, some princesses – will be partying at Harold Black Park.
The Superhero and Princess Party in the Park is just one of many activities happening next Monday, July 1, as the Town celebrates Canada’s 154th birthday with a parade, activities for children, local food, community group vendors, live entertainment and, of course, a fireworks show to wind things up.
“It really is a fun day for everyone,” said Leah Letford, communications specialist for the town of Pelham.
But it’s not just a Town effort, Letford said. Plenty of people in the community to make the event what it is.
“We have a group of really dependable volunteers from the Lions and the Rotary who help us put things together. They started working on the program as early as January or February.”
While festivities get underway at the park at 3 p.m., the Grand Parade starts at 4 p.m. with a route that will take it down Haist Street from A.K. Wigg School to the park.
The parade, Letford said, is a highlight for everyone, but particularly for residents living along the route.
“People go all out for decorating,” Letford said. “Some have family and friends over. There are barbecues.”
And it’s not just parade participants who have a good time, Letford said.
“A lot of people will join in at the back end of the parade and walk down to (the) park.”
In addition to the parade and activities at Harold Black Park, the Town is also offering free public swimming at the Pelham Pool in Marlene Stewart Streit Park from 1-4 p.m.
Funding for the festivities was provided by a $10,000 grant from the federal government through the Department of Canadian Heritage’s Celebrate Canada program.
Haist Street, meanwhile, will be closed from 3-5 p.m. to accommodate the parade.
There are also contests for the best decorated house (open to ages 14 and up) and best decorated bicycle (ages 14 and under) as well as a colouring contest. For the colouring contest, kids are being encouraged to create their own superhero or princess crown design.
Colouring contest entries need to be scanned end either dropped off at the Meridian Community Centre or emailed to [email protected] with RE: Canada Day Colouring Contest in the subject line.
Following is a list of activities and live entertainment taking place at the park.
3-7 p.m. - Rotary Club of Fonthill Children's Area. Bouncers, archery, sno-cones, and more.
3:30- 5 p.m. - The Jimmy Marando Swing Band
5-5:15 p.m. - Welcome Ceremony
5:15- 6:30 p.m. - Walkman
6:45-8:15 p.m. - No More New Band
8:30-9:55 p.m. - Max-Life Crisis
9:55 p.m. - Singing of O' Canada
10 p.m. - Fireworks
More information, including entry forms for bike decorating, house decorating and colouring contests visit www.pelham.ca/july1
