Virtual Canada Day celebrations planned across Niagara
Niagara’s 12 municipalities, Niagara Parks Commission, Niagara Region come together for July 1 production
Canada Day is going virtual across Niagara this year.
The 12 lower-tier municipalities, Niagara Parks Commission and Niagara Region will celebrate with online performances by Tim Hicks, Avenue Inn, Great Lake Swimmers, Spencer Burton, Juliet Dunn and Peter Shea and Rick Mclean.
Instead of welcoming people to a parade in downtown Niagara Falls, the municipality will host a special production on the city’s website at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The celebration will also be shown on Yourtv and on the city’s Facebook page.
Community development coordinator Lori Albanese said the municipality has “great” entertainment planned, including a special performance to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Canadian national anthem, a dedication to Greater Niagara General Hospital front-line workers, former city historian Sherman Zavitz, the Niagara 2021 Canada Summer Games Shelly the Turtle mascot, buskers, past Canada Day celebrations and Niagara Falls talent.
She said the city’s online celebration production will be hosted by Matt Anthony, and include musical performances by Honeymoon Suite, LMT Connection, and a surprise musical guest.
The event will also feature an #nfcanadaday contest.
From 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m., organizers want people to show off their Canadian pride by sharing their photos or videos on social media by using the hashtag #nfcanadaday, and by tagging the city on social media.
Prizes include ipads, barbecues, bicycles, plus gift certificates for grocery stores, local restaurants and Murphy’s Music.
Albanese said organizers of celebrations across Niagara were all part of a “waiting game” to find out what “we can and cannot do” this year due to COVID-19.
“When we knew that the live celebrations were completely cancelled, we had to switch gears and think about what we can do that could still be engaging and entertaining,” she said.
Albanese said joining with all 12 Niagara municipalities, Niagara Parks and Niagara Region to create an online production for everyone to enjoy made sense.
In a way, she said there’s “more going on, but in a different way.”
“There’s a lot for everyone. We want people to still have a blast on Canada Day, but stay home and stay safe.”
City of St. Catharines officials said they also had to come up with alternative plans to the usual Canada Day celebrations at Rennie Park, which is a signature event for the municipality.
“While it will not be taking place in the park this year, our virtual celebration will mean residents can still join together to celebrate from the safety and comfort of their own homes,” said community and events supervisor Brianne Wilson.
St. Catharines’ virtual Canada Day will include activities and entertainment for all ages, including the national anthem performed by Melissa Shriner; remarks from award-winning town crier Mark Molnar; children’s crafts and activities led by Dena Colling-gelentso of Creative Moments; children’s activities with Mad Science; musical performances by Rusty Jacobs, Sandy Vine and the Midnights, and Tin Roof.
Online festivities will begin at 10 a.m. with a Facebook watch party.
Visit the city’s website for links to virtual celebrations and for more information.
The City of Welland will be celebrating Canada Day on its website and recreation and culture Facebook page with printable activities, artistic performances and more.