Let the final countdown begin as St. Albert residents and organizations prepare for the annual Canada Day festivities to welcome the summer holidays.
As July 1 grows closer, the anticipation is undoubtedly growing. Of course with the line-up of activities planned for participants, who wouldn't be excited? In a press release, Mayor Nolan Crouse said, “St. Albertans have always taken great pride in showing their Canadian spirit at our community's Canada Day events.”
The only question left to ask might be … what exactly is there to do?
Here's your answer!
9 to 11 a.m. Pancakes anyone? To kick-start the day, Heritage Lakes Community Association is hosting a pancake breakfast at Heritage Park. While enjoying some delicious pancakes, children can take part in some activities like sidewalk chalk, bounce on jumpy things and blow bubbles.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Some of the well-known attractions on Canada Day are the festivities that take place in Lions Park. Children will find a constant source of entertainment in a variety of forms ranging from wagons rides, inflatable bouncing gyms, road hockey, face painting, balloons and games galore. There will be plenty of food and refreshments for everyone, including watermelon, ice cream and hotdogs. Innovations Music will provide more entertainment.
Salute our troops past and present by visiting the displays by the Canadian Forces and Air Cadet Sabre Squadron. For those who want a little more interaction, there will be a passive display of military vehicles for children to climb and investigate. The singing of the national anthem and the parade of dignitaries begin at 11:55 a.m.
Park and ride service will be available from the Village Transit Station and St. Albert Centre Exchange. In addition, attendees are asked to bring non-perishable food donations for the St. Albert Food Bank.
Noon to 4 p.m. Celebrate the past in the present with St. Albert's heritage sites. Tours are available at Father Lacombe Chapel, St. Albert Grain Elevator Park and the Little White School, along with Dominion Day birthday cake.
Profiles Public Art Gallery will also open for those who want another chance to see Shifting Patterns — an exhibit showcasing upcoming and established aboriginal artists and their collections of contemporary pieces.
1 to 4 p.m. Make a splash at Grosvenor Pool for some fun in the sun, but don't forget your waterproof sunscreen!
Woodlands Water Play Park will have face painting, a bubble booth, mascots and a barbecue.
For those who are daring enough to watch, or try, an open skate session will be held in the adjacent skate park with mini-competitions and a chance to win prizes. Here's the chance to test out your boardslide, nosegrind and hardflip!
2 to 4 p.m. Drop by the St. Albert Botanical Park where volunteers will be preparing a wonderful strawberry tea, providing tours of the fragrant rose garden and other park areas.
7 to 9 p.m. Ongoing activities will be available at Seven Hills for those gathering to wait for the annual Canada Day fireworks display to begin.
11 p.m. The fireworks start at 11 p.m. sharp and will feature a special tribute commemorating St. Albert Fire Services' 100th anniversary.
