Canada proudly turns 150 on Saturday, July 1, 2017, and people nationwide are getting ready to partake in the festivities. British Columbia has been especially busy with an itinerary of its own, and Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and Mission are no exception! The B.C. government has allocated funds in honour of this special birthday, so let’s take a look at what is being planned in these three cities.
In Abbotsford: there will be the annual Prospera Credit Union Canada Day parade, which takes place from 11 a.m. onwards, stretching from Ware Street/South Fraser Way to Trethewey and Maclure.
At Sevenoaks Mall from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., there will be a special ceremony followed by the digging up of an old time capsule buried 25 years ago, and a new one is set to be buried for another 25 years. Back in 1992, according to a Seven Oaks handout, the time capsule was buried to celebrate Matsqui’s Centennial Anniversary at Sevenoaks Shopping Centre. The new time capsule will be filled with pictures from the mall’s Happy Kid’s Club members.
Also in Abbotsford at Exhibition Park festivities will be a weekend-long experience, starting on June 30 from 6 – 9 p.m. and again on Canada Day, from 11 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Friday will feature performances including the Pacific Mennonite Children’s Choir, Valley Festival Singers, the Abbotsford Youth Orchestra, Sionnaine Irish Dance Academy, Korean Drummers, and so much more!
Then on July 1, there will be an Abbotsford Arts Council artisan market with community displays hosted from 1 – 5 p.m., along with hayrides, mini golf, pony rides, and play zones, as well as a food truck festival from 1 – 10 p.m., and a wide range of performances beginning at 6 p.m.
Local businesses are also celebrating the big birthday, making certain products $1.50 for the day. High Street will be hosting a free Canada Day event that includes drinks and food, ping pong, and more! As for fireworks, they’ll be launching at Rotary Stadium at 10 p.m.
In Chilliwack: a similar day is planned, mainly hosted at Townsend Park.
Starting at 8 a.m., there will be the Kiwanis Club annual pancake breakfast at Evergreen Hall. The cost is $5.00/person, and all proceeds will be used to benefit the community.
Between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. at Townsend Park there will be bouncy castles, children’s arts and crafts, face painting, a rotary ride-on train, and performances by local groups such as Prospera Community Stage, Excel Martial Arts, Taoist Tai Chi Society, and the Korean fan dancers, among others! A special pop up market that sells local goods hosted by That Local Market will also be there, as well as food trucks. Admission to the festivities is free. Like Abbotsford, Chilliwack will also finish the evening with a fireworks extravaganza at 10 p.m. sharp.
Near the park, there will also be activities for all age groups to enjoy at the Landing Leisure Centre.
At 4:15 p.m., the grand opening of the Landing Spray Park will complete with greetings from the mayor and MP Mark Strahl. At 6:45 p.m., there will be a Canada Day ceremony and the unveiling of a special commemorative mosaic community arts project as well.
In Mission: celebrations on this glorious day will not go unseen, hosted at Fraser River Heritage Park from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a similar buffet of activity, such as pancake breakfasts, pony rides, face painting, magicians, dog shows, wall climbing, singing, dancing, live music, and so much more.
The admission is free and again, there will be fireworks at 10 p.m. They’ll be hosted at the Mission Raceway, which will open (with free admission) at 8:30 p.m.
With all of these amazing events taking place, no matter which city you celebrate Canada’s 150th in, let it be a day of reflection on how much our country has grown and changed from what it was to what it is today. For better or for worse, Happy Birthday, Canada! Have a wonderful Canada Day, eh?
Rachel is working towards a BA with a concentration in English and Theatre. She has been employed at The Cascade since Fall 2021 as a Staff Writer and a Jr. News Editor. Currently, she is the sectional News Editor and enjoys meeting and interviewing people as well as taking long walks in nature. Rachel also likes to stay up to date on the latest trends and informs students through her fashion column entitled Campus Fashion.
