Food, family time and fun are in store for Canada’s birthday in Chilliwack.
But there are a few changes this year.
The excitement starts, as usual, at 8 a.m. with a delicious pancake breakfast served by local Kiwanis Club members at Evergreen Hall.
The Chilliwack Community Band and local dignitaries will be on-hand to kick off the celebration officially, and then people will wander off do their thing until early evening.
“One of the major changes this year is the decision not to hold any scheduled daytime activities during the celebration,” said McDonald.
“So some people will be spending time with families and friends during the day, and then come back at five for the best stage show ever.”
The 2015 Canada Day Celebration is being made possible by a partnership of City of Chilliwack, the O’Connor Group and local entertainer Trevor McDonald.
Gates open at Townsend Park at 5 p.m, and the show starts at 5:45 on the dot.
They assembled a great team and the Chances Entertainment Stage show will not disappoint, he says.
“We’re doing everything we can to make it the best night show that we’ve every had!” said McDonald.
“Nothing is halfway. It’s going to be over the top!”
The top-shelf talent includes: Curbside Traditional Jazz Band, Country favourite Todd Richard, the rocking Hayley Chase and the Fever, and a special tribute to Canadian music with Bobby Bruce and Canadian-A.
Then comes the pièce de résistance, the crowd favourite, the fireworks. The way it’s been set up, people won’t have to move too far and will stay on-site at Townsend Park to take in the ever-popular fireworks.
All the festivities, except for the pancake breakfast, are taking place at Townsend Field this year.
“In the past, you watched entertainment at the grandstand and then had to move to Townsend Park for the fireworks. Not this year, it’s a one-stop party!”
Also for the first time this year, public seating, blankets and lawn chairs will be allowed on the football field at Townsend.
“Come early to stake out the best seats on the grass.”
There’s something a little different to go along with the exciting fireworks display, which will light up the sky under the watchful eye of Kevan Siggs.
Get ready for a special performance by the 25-member Cascadia Wind Ensemble to highlight the colourful fireworks.
“It will be our very own Symphony of Fire,” he said. “We are beyond excited to have live music accompanying the fireworks.”
There will also be a special appearance by members of the Goddess Movement, and food trucks on location including Guerilla Q, Wild Cat Grill, Tin Cow, and Shandhar Hut.
Parking is a wee bit challenging, and carpooling is recommended, according to organizers.
Look for a Chartwell Seniors’ Zone with seating and tents, and on the north end zone the Y Kids’ Zone with crafts, games and face painting.
Organizers are still looking for volunteers, please call 604-997-3977 or trevmcdonald@telus.net.
RCMP, Griffin Security and Streetwise Traffic Control will all be on site to insure a safe, family friendly celebration! The show is set to close at 10:30 and organizers ask that you carpool if possible as parking is limited the closer you are to the site. Parking map can be found online by scrolling down the page at www.chilliwack.com/canadaday
