UPDATE: To see 2016 Canada Day events click here.
Wednesday, July 1 is Canada Day! Celebratory events and activities are planned throughout the City, including Confederation and Grass Creek Parks. We have always enjoyed a rich history in Kingston as Canada’s First Capital and home to Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. Macdonald. Canada Day marks an exciting opportunity to celebrate Kingston’s unique connection to the founding of our nation.
Red and White Parade
Kingstonians are invited to join the official Canada Day parade, known as the Red and White parade. The parade will depart from the Metro parking lot (at Barrie and Princess Streets) at 11:30 a.m. and will make its way down Princess Street, ending at City Hall on Ontario Street.
Civic Ceremony
Join me on the steps of City Hall at 12 p.m. for the annual Canada Day civic ceremony, Awards will be presented to the 2015 recipients of the First Capital Distinguished Citizen Award, Honourable Achievement Award, and the Mayor’s Awards for Youth Volunteerism.
Festivities at Grass Creek Park
From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Grass Creek Park, 2993 Highway 2 E., has programming for the whole family to enjoy. Activities throughout the day include a full line-up of live entertainment, access to the beach, kids crafts, kite festival, and demonstrations from Kingston BMX and Kingston Aeros Trampoline Club.
Music in Confederation Park
Confederation Park will feature a great line-up of live entertainment from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Fort Henry Pan Am Festival
Fort Henry welcomes the Pan Am Torch Relay to Kingston with a celebration of Pan American music, dance, art, sport and history with free live entertainment and special programming July 1 to 4. For more details and the schedule of events visit forthenry.com/events/pan-am-cultural-festival>
Fireworks
Don’t miss the spectacular Pan Am themed fireworks display at 10 p.m., best viewed from Confederation Park or Fort Henry.
FREE in the City on Canada Day
The following is a list of free family activities happening across the city on Canada Day
Artfest Kingston brings together more than 150 artists July 1 to 4 in City Park for an art show and craft sale featuring live music, workshops and interactive activities. For more information visit artfestontario.com/kingston.
Bellevue House, home of Canada’s First Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald, opens its doors for free special Canada Day programming from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information visit pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn-nhs/on/bellevue/activ/activ1.aspx.
The Museum of Health Care celebrates its newest bilingual exhibit, A Stubborn Illness: the health of the Macdonald Family, with free admission on Canada Day. For more information visit kingstonmuseums.ca/events.
The Pump House Steam Museum and the MacLachlan Woodworking Museum are both offering free admission on Canada Day, for more information visit www.SteamMuseum.ca and http://www.WoodWorkingMuseum.ca.
For a full list and schedule of City of Kingston activities please visit the City website .
Wishing you a safe, fun and happy Canada Day.
~ Bryan Paterson
Mayor
Release source: City of Kingston | Photo: Wikimedia Commons
