Believe it or not, June is almost done, which means Canada Day is just around the corner, with festivities planned at the Sooke Flats this Friday (July 1).
Action starts at noon, with opening ceremonies and speeches from several dignitaries, as well as the singing of O Canada at 1 p.m.
This year the fireworks show will also be making an explosive return at dusk, courtesy of Sooke Fire Chief Steven Sorensen, who is taking a lead on managing the performance.
Fireworks were cancelled on Canada Day in Sooke last year due after an unusually dry season and a slew of brush fires around town put Sooke Fire Rescue on edge.
Colder and more damp weather help reduce the risk this time round, noted Sorensen, though any fireworks show is still subject to changes in weather.
In addition to fireworks, Sooke Fire will also have its usual bouncy houses, and will be joined by Otter Point Fire Rescue’s game where players have a ball on a tether that they shoot with the fire hoses.
“It’s all about providing a fun day for everyone, that’s the idea,” said Al Beddows, council chair for Sooke Lions Club, which has been the driving force of organizing Canada Day events for several years.
Beddows said it costs the Lions club about $16,000 to put together, but it receives support from service groups, the municipality, the Capital Regional District and local businesses.
No one will go hungry either, with a Canada Day cake cutting at 1:30 p.m., and a pie eating contest at 2:45 (for those who are really hungry) which gets topped by a cotton candy booth as well.
And what kind of fun would it be without some musical entertainment, such as Virtual Elvis, who will you back through the King of Rock’s early years and Vegas years (3:45 and 5:45 p.m.) and local band, The Kicks (2 and 4:45 p.m.)
“There will be a little something for everybody,” Beddows said.
The event takes place all day at the Sooke River Campground (the Flats) at 2259 Phillips Rd.
Admission is free, no alcohol or dogs are allowed.
