LOTS OF FUN, ENERGY THIS CANADA DAY

Get ready for the biggest and best Canada Day celebration Calgary has had. Here are the top five things to do July 1, writes

1.

Confederation Park - 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This year marks Canada’s 150th anniversary and Confederation Park’s 50th anniversary. There will be a pancake breakfast, entertainment on the main stage, activities for the whole family and the opening of the 1967 time capsule.

2. Fort Calgary - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

At the place where the city began, there will be activities and entertainment, including a pancake breakfast, local music performances, indigenous celebrations and the Enmax Living Flag where those in attendance can don red and white T-shirts to form the Canadian flag.

3.

Prince’s Island Park - 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The west end of Prince’s Island Park will have an indigenous showcase and powwow. This will also include Inuit throat singers, Metis dancers, a Tipis village, storytelling and traditional food.

4.

Olympic Plaza - 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

CIBC will be hosting a citizenship reaffirmation ceremony for all Canadian citizens. Mayor Naheed Nenshi said, “If you’ve never taken the oath of Canadian citizenship because you were lucky enough to be born in this country, go do it. You will never forget that moment.” There will be 1,500 guitarists performing Ian Tyson’s Four Strong Winds as well as performances by the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and the Calgary Opera.

5.

Riverfront Avenue - 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Throughout the day there will be multicultural music and dance, as well as a variety of food vendors offering many examples of international cuisine.

In the evening, the main stage will have performances from Canadian artists such as Calgary’s own Michael Bernard Fitzgerald and the headlining act, Tegan and Sara. To wrap it up, there will be a 30-minute fireworks display with a contemporary light show all synchronized to Canadian music.

“(This is) the biggest Canada Day we’ve ever done, one of the best celebrations in this city ever, something your kids and your grandkids will remember. Forget the cottage, bring the family, come downtown for Canada Day,” said Nenshi.

This Canada Day will certainly go out with a bang. For more information on events happening around the city, visit the City of Calgary’s website.