By Todd Lewys
The approach of July 1 means only one thing: Canada Day is coming.
That means it’s time to dress up in red and white (or is that white and red?) to celebrate the fact that Canada not only is turning 152 years old, but that we live in the best country in the world.
Quite appropriately, there will be Canada Day celebrations galore in Winnipeg on July 1.
No matter where you reside in the city, there will be somewhere to go to gather with others decked out in red and white to celebrate the great country that we live in.
Here’s a snapshot of some of the celebration destinations that you can head out to with friends and/or family to propose a toast to Canada in whichever manner suits you best.
Assiniboine Park
As per usual, Canada Day festivities will take place at the Park from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., with most of the activities taking place in and around the Lyric Theatre.
The day will start out with a welcome to Treaty One & Citizenship ceremony at 11 a.m., followed by a Canada Day anthem and greetings. There will be live bands and jugglers on site along with bouncy castles, a giant inflatable waterslide, motion zone obstacle course, face painting and more. Patrons can also visit the Beer Gardens at the Pavilion, Assiniboine Park Zoo or take a virtual tour of the Leaf from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Please note there will be no fireworks this year. For more information, visit assiniboinepark.ca/Canada-day.
The Forks
Here’s the key to enjoying your Canada Day celebrations at The Forks: plan your transportation in advance. Take the bus or your bike down, or carpool. Walking over is also encouraged to limit traffic congestion.
Festivities will start at noon on the Exchange Stage at Steven Juba Park with Rhianna Ray Saj and will then expand to the Canopy Stage at 1:30 p.m. with The Noble Thiefs leading things off there.
Pop-up shows will commence at 3:00, and the evening program will start at 7:00 with Amadians appearing at the CN Stage and Field. Eagle and Hawk —who will perform with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra — will close out the evening at 10:45. A spectacular fireworks show will cap off the day at 11 p.m. Visit theforks.com for more information on Canada Day festivities there.
#Almost Free Canada Day 2019 @ The CMHR
(Canadian Museum for Human Rights)
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Canada Day, everyone will be able to take in the amazing displays at the CMHR almost for free — admission charge will be just five dollars. For more information, go to humanrights.ca.
Osborne Village BIZ Canada Day Street Festival
This two-day festival — it will run from June 30 to July 1 — transforms Osborne Village into one big Canada Day celebration from River and Osborne all the way down Osborne at McMillan. Canada Day festivities will start at noon and end at 10:30 — just in time to view fireworks at The Forks.
Canada Day in St. Norbert
Head over to St. Norbert, where Canada Day festivities will happen from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., with fireworks taking place at dusk.
Sinclair Park
Canada Day Celebration
The day starts off with a craft sale at 10 a.m., followed by the rest of the festivities starting at 1 p.m. There will be something for everyone; visit sinclairparkcc.com for more info.
Free Canada Day BBQ at Ross House Museum
Join Ross House and their partners, Church of the Rock, for a free barbeque. Food service starts at 12:30 and will go until 3:00 along with family-friendly games and activities. Call 204-942-5396 for more info.
Canada Day at Kirkbridge Park
Celebrate our nation’s diversity at Kirkbridge Park from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. with a flag hoisting, cultural performances, a jumping castle for kids, food stalls and more.
Canada Day at West St. Paul Sunova Centre
There will be a pancake breakfast, barbeque, petting zoo, games and more in West St. Paul, rain or shine!