Celebrating Canada

It’s been a big year for Canada (with the Olympics and all). Today, you can celebrate our renewed national pride and help our home and native land blow out 143 candles at family events scattered throughout the city.

The city of Calgary hosts Canada Day celebrations at Prince’s Island Park that get underway at noon. Daytime festivities feature entertainment on three stages. The Family Stage highlights the hilarious Gustavo the Impossibilist, children’s singer/songwriter Tasha Platt, and circus performer Flyin’ Bob. There’s a temporary tattoo tent to top it off.

Fort Calgary is another daytime party place (with free transportation to-and-from Prince’s Island). Enjoy a free pancake breakfast, a petting zoo, pony rides and jumpy castles starting at 9 am. But what about the cake? (It is a birthday after all.) You’ll find free cake (and pancakes) at Heritage Park with paid admission.

Admission to the national parks is free today, and both Banff and Canmore host day-long celebrations including parades, entertainment and fireworks. Okotoks is a short drive away and offers similar activities with the addition of free gym-and-swim at the rec centre.

The Airdrie Pro Rodeo is also in full swing. In addition to the show and on-site kids’ activities, check out an evening concert and fireworks at dusk. The rodeo is a kid-friendly event that allows spectators close-up views of the animals and runs all weekend.

You’ll find horses in the south end this weekend as Spruce Meadows hosts the Canada One tournament. The purse is $350,000 and the event is a qualifier for the World Cup, guaranteeing you high-level show jumping.

Kids will love seeing the horses, or going on a picnic in the playground. Shakespeare in the Park (managed by Mount Royal University) sets up shop on Prince’s Island Park this Saturday, July 3, showcasing Othello and Much Ado About Nothing throughout the summer. Bring along a blanket, toys and a picnic (and sit near the back for a quick escape) to keep the kids happy.

If you’d prefer children’s drama, may we suggest a trip to Stanley Park on Saturday for the Wagonstage performance of Shooshoo and Vlum (they’re twins) on their adventure to get to know a new family addition named Libby. Performance is at 2 pm. Consider following up with a dip in the Stanley Park outdoor pool.

Canada is a happening place. Show your support of our great country (and teach a little national pride) this Canada Day. It’s the perfect launch pad to summer.

Happy Canada Day to you.

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