Falls organizers preparing for Canada Day
Volunteers needed to assist with celebrations
A range of free activities are planned for Canada Day weekend in Niagara Falls.
On Tuesday, the city released its schedule of downtown entertainment between June 29 and July 1.
Festivities kick off June 29 between 4-7 p.m. at city hall on Queen Street with Jazz After 4.
The fun continues June 30, with live entertainment on the main stage at city hall between 1-7:30 p.m., including Busk 4 a Cause, an event featuring performers with donations supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters of Niagara Falls.
“It’s going to be really entertaining, a lot of fun,” said Lori Albanese, a community development co-ordinator with the city.
A full-day of events is planned for July 1, starting with a oneand five-kilometre run or walk at Oakes Park for St. John Ambulance. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Entry forms are available at St. John Ambulance, or at runforsja.ca.
Niagara Falls Concert Band will perform out front of the library on Victoria Avenue between 10-11 a.m.
The OPG Niagara Falls Canada Day Parade starts at 11 a.m. Parade travels along Victoria to Valley Way and Queen, ending at Queen and St. Clair Avenue.
Opening ceremonies follow at 12:30 p.m. at city hall.
There will be a wild magic show with world renowned magician Greg Frewin, and a tribute show to Paul McCartney, Adele, Lady Gaga and Rod Stewart.
Visitors can enjoy a piece of free birthday cake (while supplies last), and enter a free raffle near the main stage.
The Scotiabank children’s zone and stage will be located at Rosberg Family Park at Queen and Ontario Avenue between noon-4 p.m.
Visitors can visit the Toronto FC trailer and see the MLS Cup; try a 70-foot zip line adventure and rock climbing wall; free inflatables, family mini-putt, reptile kingdom and electronic animal rides; free face painting, balloons and henna tattoos; exotic animals, princesses and mad science fun stations; and a Canada Day art show along Queen.
A car show takes place between 1-5 p.m. along Queen, between Victoria and Crysler Avenue.
Live entertainment continues after opening ceremonies on the main stage until 6 p.m.
More highlights include: EXTREME Music, dance and sports performances showcasing a BMX stunt team; chill zone with inflatable darts; NBA all-star entertainer Q-Mack; skateboarding demonstrations; and hula hop fun zone.
Big Brothers Big Sisters will host its WingFest at Taps on Queen between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. (while supplies last).
A passport card can be picked up at city hall, where visitors can have it stamped at multiple locations. Visitors can hand in their stamped passport at the free raffle at city hall for a chance to win a prize. The draw will be held at 2:45 p.m. on the main stage.
A complimentary bike valet will be available at Rosberg Family Park between noon-4 p.m.
Visitors can bring their own refillable water container. A water truck will be located at Queen and Erie Avenue.
Albanese said the city is looking for more volunteers to help with the celebrations.
Those interested can attend a 3:30 p.m. June 18 volunteer meeting at the MacBain Community, email rc@niagarafalls.ca, or visit niagarafalls.ca to sign up.
From June 29 at noon until
July 1 at 8 p.m., Queen will be closed from Ontario to Erie.
Victoria, from Jepson Street to Queen, will be closed July 1 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.; all of Queen will be closed from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., while Queen, from Ontario to Erie, will remain closed until 8 p.m.