The Langley Canada Day celebration takes place on Thursday and Friday of this week.
Langley has the largest two-day Canada Day celebration in the country. Last year, about 55,000 people took part in the event.
This year’s event will feature a wide variety of family activities and entertainment. It takes place at McLeod Athletic Park, 216 Street and 56 Avenue. The event runs from 3 to 11 p.m. on Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday.
The event is free, but those who come are asked for donations to help defray the costs. While the federal government and the City and Township provide some funding, it is not enough to cover all the costs. There is a separate charge for some activities, such as the amusement park area. Passes there are $20 for the day and allow for unlimited rides.
Among the events planned are pony rides, a canine flyball show, bike demonstration by Trials Stars, mini-golf, and ongoing stage entertainment.
A playhouse built by Aldergrove Community Secondary students will go to the winner of a colouring contest.
Among the entertainment are Elvis tribute artist Steve Elliott, a Patsy Cline tribute, Abba Cadabra, BaDD haBBits, a magic show by Trevor Walters and many other acts.
Fireworks will be set off both evenings at 10:30 p.m., which is part of Canada Day traditions across the country.
On Thursday and Friday, 56 Avenue will be closed west of 216 Street, from 2 p.m. on on Thursday and from 9 a.m. on Friday. The roads around McLeod Park will also be closed.
Parking will be available at the adjacent Langley Secondary and Christian Life Assembly parking lots.
Organizers of this year’s event are hoping for good weather, which has been a rarer commodity than usual this spring and summer. Nonetheless, they promise that there will be lots to do for people who attend this year’s event.
Fort Langley celebrates
Plan to celebrate Canada’s 144th birthday by participating a free family event at the Centennial Museum in Fort Langley, 9135 King St.
Events and activities — including crafts, face painting, a balloon artist, and old-fashioned games — happen Friday, July 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The museum opens at 10 a.m. and Canada Day events kick off an hour later., with a variety of musical performances and artist workshops beginning every half hour until 3 p.m.
A welcoming ceremony will be held at 12:15 p.m. and guests can enjoy a slice of Canada Day cake, courtesy of the museum.
Next door to the Centennial Museum, the B.C. Farm Museum will be hosting its own Canada Day celebration. Visitors are invited to stop by the museum at 9131 King St. and take in some of the day’s celebrations, beginning at 10 a.m. with a flag pole dedication and flag raising.
Other highlights include bannock making demos, a blacksmith shop, scavenger hunt, treats and operating equipment displays. Events run until 3 p.m.
Visit www.bcfma.com to learn more.
And just over the road, the Fort Langley National Historic Site at 23433 Mavis Ave. is also doing its bit to mark the nation’s birthday, with events running from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Visitors can watch the citizenship ceremony, eat cake, and discover what type of explorer they are by taking part in Parks Canada’s Xplorers program.
There will be blacksmithing to watch, farm animals to meet and children’s activities to enjoy while taking in live musical performances. The fort is offering free admission on July 1. For more info, call 604-513-4777.
