Doc Walker to perform at Brandon’s Canada Day celebrations
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This article was published 29/04/2017 (2159 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
To recognize Canada 150, and the City of Brandon’s 135th anniversary, the Riverbank Discovery Centre’s July 1 celebrations will be “bigger and better” this year.
Lois MacDonald, general manager of Brandon Riverbank Inc., announced on Friday that Manitoba’s own country music group, Doc Walker, will be performing at the Wheat City’s Canada Day celebrations.
“It couldn’t be better,” MacDonald said. “They’re from Portage la Prairie, and Manitoba born and bred, so we’re just so thrilled to be able to have them here in Brandon.”
Doc Walker’s latest album, “Weathervane,” features a single titled “Heart of the Heartland” which is a tribute to small-town pride.
The song was inspired by “fond memories of youth and continuing to find new inspiration in one’s roots, in this case, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba and Winnipeg, which has long been home for bandmates Dave Wasyliw and Chris Thorsteinson,” states the band’s website.
The free concert will take place at 9 p.m., following a full afternoon of activities and entertainment.
“We have lots to celebrate, and the City of Brandon really came on board and wanted to see a big event happen here,” MacDonald said. “We were able to get some sponsors in place as well, that helped us fill in some of our gaps, so I think it’ll be a great day.”
The City of Brandon earmarked $50,000 in the 2017 budget for Canada Day celebrations.
As in previous years, the celebration will begin with a living flag. People will be given white or red T-shirts and create a larger-than-life Canadian flag.
“It just reminds us how we are all Canadian, and people can stand shoulder to shoulder with our friends and neighbours and community members, and it’s a great start to our celebrations,” MacDonald said.
Opening ceremonies will happen at 1 p.m., which will have a multicultural feel this year. There will be all sorts of children’s entertainment, as well as a kids’ tractor pull, inflatables and face-painting.
“The stage will be jam-packed with entertainment all day,” she said.
Food venders will be on site, and the event will wrap up with a fireworks show.
“When we had the opportunity to put together a bigger, better event I think it really just brings everyone together, and helps us celebrate everything that’s great about being Canadian, and everything that’s just fantastic about living here in Brandon and Manitoba,” MacDonald said.
» jaustin@brandonsun.com
» Twitter: @jillianaustin