The country is turning 151 years young on Sunday, and what better way for people to celebrate than by going to an outdoor party that lasts all day long.
“I’ll be there, for sure, with bells on,” said the city’s community recreation manager Daniele Podlubny. “It’ll be a great day. We’re looking forward for the community to come out and join us.”
The family-friendly festivities start in the morning on Sunday, July 1 and will continue past 11 p.m. with multiple bangs and flashes in the sky.
If you like to eat right after you wake up as many people do, the St. Albert Legion on Taché Street is hosting a pancake breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. The cost is $5 per person.
Riel Recreation Park is the place to be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. where there will be a day concert, along with treats, games, inflatable bouncy castles, obstacle courses, and slides, plus crafts, food trucks, face painting and much more.
“There’s a number of stations you can try, displays you can see, things you can sample. There’s a whole variety of things going on throughout the day.”
There will be a new feature attraction for the festive occasion that should drive people up the wall. An all-ages rock climbing wall will be stationed at what is being called the Adventure Zone located at Larry Olexiuk Field.
Attendees are encouraged to stop by the information booth with non-perishable food donations for the St. Albert Food Bank.
Podlubny reminded people that public parking is expected to be pretty crowded at the event site so she suggested that visitors find alternate methods of transportation. The park is connected with the Red Willow Trail System for people who choose to walk or bike in. A bike check will be available. The city’s buses will operating to keep things running smoothly too. The free park and ride will operate from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. from the Village Transit Station.
“We encourage people to do that,” she said.
The buses will drop their passengers off near the Kinsmen Banquet Centre, which conveniently allows for people to see what’s going on at the Adventure Zone on the football field. That’s where there will be fire trucks, ambulances, public works vehicles, the rock climbing wall, inflatables, and activities put on by the St. Albert Minor Football Association, St. Albert Rams Lacrosse, and the St. Albert Rugby Football Club.
She also reminded people to dress for the weather, whatever form it comes in.
“Bring sunscreen, and water to stay hydrated. Or if the weather doesn’t look like it’s going to cooperate, bring anything you need to be in the rain.”
In preparation for the Canada Day activities, the Rotary Park parking lot will be closed from 10 p.m. on Saturday, June 30 until 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 1. The Rotary Park boat launch will also be closed to the public from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 1.
Of course, everyone is invited to watch the fireworks display put on by pyrotechnicians with Aerial Fireworks. It will start promptly at 11 p.m. from Mission Hill, weather permitting.
Volunteers are still needed for all of the city’s events throughout the day. Positions include public ambassadors, info booth attendants, program assistants, stagehands and concert ambassadors. You must be older than 10 to apply.
Full details on all events can be found by visiting www.stalbert.ca/canada-day.
Around the city
A number of cultural partners will also host their own Canada Day celebrations around the city.The St. Albert Botanic Park will offer a strawberry tea accompanied by live entertainment from The Jan Baker Trio from 1 to 4 p.m. There will also be a children’s scavenger hunt and other kids’ activities. It’s located at 265 Sturgeon Rd.
The city’s heritage sites are getting in on the action too.
The Father Lacombe Chapel will let visitors discover more about the history of the oldest building in Alberta with its special event called Oh, Canada!
“Throughout the day, take part in crafts for all ages, a scavenger hunt and tours – in English or French – of the 1861 chapel – Alberta’s oldest building – and grounds. Enjoy lemonade and our famous homemade ice cream while you wander around the grounds,” said lead interpreter Maggie Nelson.
Admission is by donation. The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. It’s located at 3 St. Vital Ave.
From there, head straight down the hill to the Little White School House in the middle of Mission Hill. Have a look inside the two-room schoolhouse, participate in the Great Flag debate, and enjoy kids’ activities and cookies from noon to 4 p.m. It’s located at 2 Madonna Dr. Right across the street and down the hill is Juneau House, home of Michif Cultural Connections. Enjoy tea and bannock, and take part in tours. It’s located at 9 Mission Ave.
The St. Albert Grain Elevator Park will have tours, children’s crafts and games, snacks, music and more from noon to 4 p.m. as well. It’s located at 4 Meadowview Dr.
