This could be the hottest Canada Day yet
Guide to Canada Day celebrations in the city and county
Canada Day weekend in Peterborough really will be a hot time. We mean sizzling. Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement advising of extreme heat that’s expected to start Saturday and continue for the rest of the long weekend.
Highs of 34 C Saturday, 33 C on Canada Day and 32 C on Monday are forecast for Peterborough and the Kawarthas by Environment Canada.
The humidity will push the humidex values into the mid 40s. Overnight low temperatures of 21 C will mean little relief from the heat.
The heat wave could last well into next week too, Environment Canada advises, so heat warnings will likely be issued soon.
As of Wednesday, all beaches in Peterborough city and county tested by Peterborough Public Health were listed as safe for swimming.
At this point, there’s also a 30 per cent of some showers at some point on Canada Day.
Street closures
There will be some street closures in Peterborough on Sunday for the scheduled Canada Day concert and fireworks at Del Crary Park.
The following streets will be closed from 4 to 11 p.m. Sunday
• Perry Street from the east side of George Street to the west side of Crescent Street
• Lake Street from the east side of George Street to the west side of Crescent Street
• Crescent Street from the north side of Romaine Street to the south side of Perry Street
• Lock Street from the north side of Romaine Street to the south side of Crescent Street.
Local traffic will be permitted for residents in this area and their guests.
Canada Day Parade
Earlier in the day, parts of George Street will be closed for the Peterborough Canada Day Parade.
The pre-parade celebrations will begin at 10 a.m. in front of City Hall at 500 George St. and will includeng:
• Children’s Face Painting
• Children’s Bike Contest
• Birthday Cake Donated by Morello’s Independent Grocer
• Entertainment
• Dignitary Speeches
The parade will begin at City Hall at noon and will run down George Street to Morrow Park.
Parade viewers are asked to wear red and white for the parade and pre-parade celebrations.
Multicultural festival
After the parade, the Multicultural Canada Day Festival celebrations take place at Del Crary Park from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Enjoy 16 international food vendors from the Peterborough city and county, craft vendors, multicultural sports, performances and kid activities.
Bringing People Together returns as the theme for the event.
Interactive demonstrations run from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and include traditional line dance, kung fu, tai chi, salsa dancing, jiu jitsu, and zumba.
The multicultural stage lights up from 1 to 3 p.m., with Array Services warming things up when they sign to O Canada. After that, it's Wshkiigomang Woman's Native Hand Drum Singers and the River Run Band, Alona Rudenko on the violin, cultural performances from India, and square dancing with D'oh See Doughboyz.
Fleming College international students from Vietnam and Panama will also be sharing their songs, dances and fashion.
Canada Day concert
The Jerry Cans will take to the Fred Anderson Stage at Del Crary Park on Saturday night for Peterborough Musicfest. The Inuit folk band play an eclectic mix of Inuktitut atl-country, throat signing, and reggae. The fireworks will be at the end of the 8 p.m. concert.
Historic Dominion Day
An 1860s-style celebration called Historic Dominion Day will take place Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lang Pioneer Village museum in Otonabee-South Monaghan Township north of Keene.
Learn about the First Nation perspective on Confederation and their contributions to the development of the nation at Aabnaabin Camp.
Enjoy free horse-drawn wagon rides throughout the historic village which will be decked out for the occasion with bunting and the historic flags of Canada.
View a copy of the Globe and Mail from Confederation Day, at the Register Print Shop.
Beginning at 1:30 pm, take a seat on a bench under a shaded tree on the Village green for the official ceremonies. Hear music circa the 1860s performed by the Peterborough Concert Band, who are celebrating their 160th anniversary.
Learn who the Fenians were and how their invasion of Canada helped influence Confederation as you witness our brave Canadian militia drive off the Fenian invaders during an exciting raid re-enactment by the Norwood and East Northumberland high school reenactors.
Stand and join in when the Peterborough Concert Band performs O Canada and officially celebrate Canada’s birthday with a complimentary piece of cake!
At 2:45 pm, children can participate in schoolyard games including sack-races, three-legged races, egg relays and more.
Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors (60+), $5 for youths (5-14) and free for children under 5. Family admission is also available for $30 and includes 2 adults and up to 4 youths (ages 5-14). Free admission for serving and retired members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
Canada Day celebrations in the county
• Buckhorn: At the Buckhorn Community Centre, there will be a marketplace, bouncy castles, a petting zoo, crafts, facepainting, a beer garden and then fireworks at 10 p.m.
• Lakefield: Celebrations from 1 to 9 p.m. at the Lakefield Legion, including music, Lions Club barbecue trailer.
• Millbrook: Celebrations at Maple Leaf Park beginning at 5 p.m. with bouncy castles, musicians, barbecue, cake and fireworks at dusk.
• Keene: Canada Day Parade in Keene starts at 10 a.m. at North Shore Public School, followed by hot dogs and cake at Fire Station
1.
• Douro: The Douro-Dummer Canada Day Parade starts at 3 p.m. at County Road 4 and the 4th Line of Douro-Dummer Township.
• Norwood: Celebrations from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Asphodel-Norwood Community Centre including farmers’ Olympics, decorated bike contest, face painting, bouncy caster, barbecue, treasure hunt, live entertainment, talent show and community recognition and senior of the year awards.