With so many great events happening in the Fraser Valley for Canada Day, one has plenty of options to choose from. And want to know the best part? All the events are free or by donation to a local charity.
So make sure to slather on the sunscreen, grab your clan and get ready to celebrate our beautiful country without having to venture far.
Here are just 8 activities we recommend doing in ‘the Valley’ this Canada Day.
1. Blast to the Past
Celebrate Canada’s 148th Birthday at the site where British Columbia was born. Enjoy multicultural music, cake and ceremony at noon and family activities. Fort Langley’s celebration continues at the neighbouring museums: Langley Centennial Museum and the BC Farm Machinery and Agricultural Museum – be sure to visit all for a fun-filled day. Free admission.
2. The Sizzlin’ JRBQ
On July 1st from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., head down to Willoughby Community Centre for a Canada Day Celebration. Featuring music by Rod Black, Washboard Union, Robyn & Ryleigh, and King & Cash. Enjoy the Kids Zone, Spray Park and BBQ. Kids Zone includes face painting, games, races, inflatables and more. All BBQ proceeds go to Basics for Babies. Free admission and parking!
3. Let them Eat Cake!
Celebrate our nation’s birthday! Come to Willowbrook Shopping Centre for a complimentary piece of cake from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or while limited quantities last) on July 1 at Centre Court by The Body Shop. For more information, visit www.shopwillowbrook.com. And yes, it’s free!
4. A ‘Legen…wait for it..dary’ Experience
Surrey’s Canada Day Celebration is a FREE event has become a “legendary” experience that brings together families and children of all ages and cultures, welcoming over 100,000 people! The celebration of our National Birthday will activate from 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m. on, July 1st, 2015 at the Cloverdale Amphitheatre. The event will feature various events and attractions including headline performers, amusement rides, interactive display booths and activities, a Grand March, including Mayor, Council and dignitaries and much more. Be sure to stay all night and experience the Fireworks Finale!
5. Jungle Jamboree
This year’s Canada Day 2015 Celebrations presented by Prospera Credit Union, will be full of new attractions, entertainers and activities geared for the entire family. Many great events are planned throughout the day including a parade down South Fraser Way, free family fun at Exhibition Park, entertainment, fireworks and much more. For more info, visit www.abbotsford.ca/canadaday.
6. Party at the Park
Canada Day celebrations in Chilliwack start with the traditional Kiwanis pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. at Evergreen Hall, featuring the Chilliwack Community Band and local dignitaries.
This year the party gets started at 5 p.m. at Townsend Park. The will be a great assortment of food vendors and picnic tables in the main parking lot off Ashwell Road. The party also includes the YMCA Kids Zone, featuring face painting, crafts and games, as well as the Chartwell Senior Zone with special bleacher seating, tents and more. Special performances and fireworks will round out the event.
This year there will not be any daytime activities scheduled. Local Entertainer and Canada Day event organizer Trevor McDonald explains that the hope is that people will enjoy the day with family and friends before coming back to Townsend Park for fireworks and an amazing evening stage show.
7. Shop til you Drop
Fraser Valley Highstreet will be buzzin’ with entertainment at Central Plaza from 12-4 p.m. Take part or watch the pulled pork eating contest by Memphis Blues, enjoy face painting, crafts games and more. This event is free!
8. Bard in the Valley
Bard in the Valley will perform live in Fort Langley on Canada Day this year. Head on over to the Fort Langley Community Hall for the outdoor production of Love’s Labour Lost beginning at 3 p.m. July 1st.
This quaint village in the heart of the Fraser Valley is the perfect setting for the Bard in the Valley’s kick-off presentation of 2015. Produced by Diane Gendron, it is a must see for all theatre goers and is being presented free of charge. Bring out your blankets and lawn chairs and come the fun.
And there you have it Valleyites, just 8 free and fun-filled activities to keep the whole family entertained this Canada Day. Make sure to also check out celebratecanadaday.ca for additional activities in ‘the Valley’ that didn’t make our list. Hope to see some of you out and about. I’ll be the frazzled mom with a Tim Horton’s coffee in hand!
