Canada Day festivities returning in full force

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This article was published 08/06/2022 (1557 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Brandon’s grand Canada Day celebration will return to the Riverbank Discovery Centre this summer, and it’s scheduled to be as big as ever.

After two years of virtual and restricted celebrating garnered little attendance, owing to restrictions that were in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the facility will welcome the entire city to its grounds once again.

“We’re 100 per cent back to normal,” said James Montgomery, general manager of the Riverbank Discovery Centre.

“It’s been very low-key the last couple of years, but we’re ramping up for a big event this year.”

Celebrations will start on June 30 with the world-renowned Canine Stars stunt dog show as a prequel to Canada Day.

Festivities on July 1 will start at 10 a.m., with live music by The Janzen Boys and run through the day before being capped by a fireworks show at 11 p.m.

The Fusion Credit Union stage, which debuted in 2019, will be put to great use for its second full Canada Day celebration, with several live performances.

Joining The Janzen Boys is Sensation International, Full Flannel Jacket, The Incredibly Hip — a Tragically Hip cover band — and local group Clubbing Fraggles.

Entertainment by Canadian Nathanial Rankin, an international award-winning magician, and local musician Mitchell Makoons will also take centre stage during the celebration.

The Canine Stars will return for three more performances on July 1, along with bouncy castles, face-painting, helicopter rides, activities for older children and food trucks.

“There’s something for everyone,” Montgomery said. “We’re adding more because we haven’t had a Canada Day [event] in two years.”

The event is free to attend and will only require people to pay for food at one of the many food trucks or a helicopter ride.

“It’s similar to 2019 with some added bonuses for everybody.”

Parking will be available off Kirkcaldy Drive in the large open space at the Discovery Centre, though Montgomery encouraged those attending to arrive by bike, walk or take public transit to avoid inundating nearby businesses.

Montgomery also cautioned those coming exclusively for the fireworks that there will be a lot of traffic and there are several other prime locations to take in the show.

“We always expect a lot of traffic coming in and out for fireworks. People can watch them very comfortably from Dinsdale Park, Hanbury Hill and from Pacific Avenue and the downtown area,” he said.

“We’re just trying to make it a real-good day for everyone to celebrate our city and our country.”

Families and kids of all ages are encouraged to attend.

» jfrey-sam@brandonsun.com

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