Comedy, hockey on parade
When Marcel Dionne played for the Los Angeles Kings, he would often tune in to the Tonight Show and always found it amusing when Rich Little would fill in for Johnny Carson.
Two Canadians — Dionne was born in Drummondville, Quebec and Little is a native of Ottawa — at the pinnacle of their respective careers.
“I haven’t met him but I’m a great fan and I’ve watched him for years,” Dionne said.
Dionne, who played 18 seasons in the NHL, will have the opportunity to meet the impressionist comedian on July 1 as both men will be grand marshals of Niagara Falls Canada Day Parade, along with NHL legend and Niagara Falls native Derek Sanderson.
“I’m so excited,” Dionne said Friday at his Blue Line Diner.
“It’s a great honour and it’s a commitment that will be very rewarding.”
The city’s Canada Day celebrations will actually take place over three days in order to also commemorate Canada’s 150 birthday.
The grand marshal trio were brought together by Peter Dy ch ti ar, of Tristream Entertainment and co-host of the Peet & Reet Show with Rita Carrey.
“We knew the 150 had to be huge,” said Dychtiar, who has been involved with the city’s Canada Day parade committee for more than 20 years.
Little appeared on Peet & Reet last fall when he was in town for a series of shows at Fallsview Casino Resort.
“He said if we ever had anything planned he’d love to be a part of it,” Dychtiar said. “He loves it here.”
“Derek I’ve known for years, he’s a tough guy to get a hold of, but he agreed to it, and Marcel I’ve known for years as well.”
The Canada Day parade, which will include more than 70 entries including marching bands and floats, will start at 11 a.m. at Victoria Avenue. and Jepson Street and end at Crysler Avenue and Queen Street.
“This is going to be a very exciting parade,” said Lori-Lyn Albanese, community development co-ordinator with the city’s recreation and culture department.
Also, Canada’s Next Designer, Niagara Falls native Marcy Mussari will be on hand as a special guest.
After the parade, Queen Street will be closed for a neighbourhood street party.
Opening ceremonies will begin on the main stage at city hall at 12:30 p.m.
There will be a free raffle, free birthday cake, free face painting, vendors and live entertainment.
The city’s Canada Day and Canada 150 celebrations will run from June 30 to July 2.
On Friday, 10 tonnes of sand will be unloaded at Rosberg Family Park and a professional sand sculptor will create a work of art. The work will be unveiled Saturday and there’ll also be areas for kids to make their own sand sculptures.
Also on Saturday, there’ll be an open choir rehearsal at 11 a.m. where members of the public can join Choir Nation to practice singing O’ Canada as well as the Tragically Hip’s Ahead by a Century.
Following the rehearsal, singers will move to the main stage where they’ll belt out the national anthem and the Hip tune.
“Whether you sing in the shower or sing in the car or don’t even think you can sing, we want everyone to come and participate,” Albanese said. Other events include: June 30, vendors and free entertainment on the main stage at city hall. July 1, Ontario Power Generation parade and free entertainment and vendors at city hall. Also,1 km/5 km run at Oakes Park starting a 8 a.m.
July 2, free entertainment and food vendors at city hall