In honour of Canada’s 150th year of confederation, Qualicum Beach is going big for Canada Day this year.
The day starts with a pancake breakfast at the Qualicum Beach Legion Branch 76 from 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m.
At 10 a.m. is the unveiling of the ECHO Players’ mural on the side of the Village Theatre (110 W. Second Ave.).
Then at 11 a.m. is the parade, led by the Qualicum Beach Pipe Band, which starts in the civic centre parking lot eventually ending in the Kwalikum Secondary School parking lot.
At noon is the opening ceremony at the legion with cake cutting at 1:30 p.m.
From 12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. on Veterans Way, there will be activities for families, including kids games from the Qualicum Beach Museum, pony rides from Tiger Lily Farms and a a display from the Nanaimo Vintage Car Club.
In the Qualicum Beach Community Hall, there will be a historical walk through time to see how the settlers lived, what farming looked like, which stores were in the village and what tourism looked like.
The entertainment lineup includes Gerry Barnum from 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m., Bruce Feltham and Friends from 12:45 p.m.-4:30 p.m., Band in a Box from 1:45 p.m.-2:30 p.m. and 8 Second Ride from 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Then in the evening is the street dance along Veterans Way from 6:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. with Zachary Stevenson of Buddy Holly fame with Bruce Feltham opening.
• The Bowser Legion Branch 211 is also hosting a number of events on Canada Day.
The party starts at 11 a.m. at the legion with a classic car show ‘n shine. Then at 11:30 a.m. is the Ladies Auxiliary barbecue.
At noon is a scavenger hunt and afterward, at 1 p.m., there are horse races.
Then at 3 p.m. the Arrowsmith Pipe Band will perform before singing the national anthem and cutting the birthday cake.
Throughout the day, there will be kids events including hay rides, sack races, ping pong, face painting and a rock hunt.
• The Corcan Meadowood Residents Association will also host a community Canada Day celebration on July 1.
The event will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Meadowood Community Park, 1810 Galvin Way. It will include two bouncy castles for the children, face painting, karaoke, and Crazy Chris the balloon artist with his animal balloon creations.
The concession is free, with BBQ hot dogs, drinks and Canada Day cake, thanks to the support of sponsors Qualicum Foods, Thrifty Foods and Save on Foods.
The association wishes to remind the public to bring a lawn chair or blanket for their comfort.
— NEWS Staff
