Woolwich compiles a growing list of ways to celebrate Canada’s 150th

PEOPLE LOOKING TO RING in Canada’s big 150 have plenty of options right here in Woolwich. The township has put together a list of more than 100 events and activities that residents can take part in to celebrate Canada throughout the year.

“With the 150 being celebrated this year, we have added on that list as well to help everyone in the township to be able to celebrate Canada within Woolwich, rather than feeling like they have to go outside because we do have so many things to offer here right in Woolwich,” explained Michelle Hilborn, project coordinator at the recreation department.

Included on the “100 Ways to Celebrate Canada’s 150th Anniversary” list are some events to mark down on your calendar. There’s the Breslau Outdoor Movie Night, the Blocktoberfest, the Art in the Park. And the six-month countdown to next year’s Elmira Maple Syrup Festival starts Oct. 7.

But of course with Canada’s big day being this Saturday, perhaps the most important event to keep track of is the Canada Day celebrations at Gore Park, which start at 4 p.m. There will be live demonstrations from the fire department, a showing from Robin in the Hood, some Mad Science, ice-cream and refreshments, and the music of the John McKinley Band. The Woolwich Summer Camp staff, moreover, will be running activities just for the children.

Then at 6 p.m., the official ceremonies will start, with a singing of O’ Canada, a few words from the local dignitaries and a cake cutting.

For those interested in something earlier in the day, Hilborn adds, there will be a free public swim from 1-3 p.m. at the WMC on Saturday as well, open to as many people as they can fit.

Besides the events, however, there are the fun ways to enjoy and experience the townships on the list. You may join the Breslau Walking Group for a trek, head to the skateboard park, take your dog to the township’s first off-leash dog park in St. Jacobs or smooch a loved one at the West Montrose Covered Bridge (that would be item number 49).

But the list is not yet complete. Hilborn is encouraging more people to submit ideas for how people can enjoy their own neighbourhoods. The goal is to get those “100 plus” ways to celebrate Canada in Woolwich up to the magic number – 150.

To submit an idea for consideration (for a chance to win some fabulous prizes), or to get a copy of the list, head on over to www. woolwich.ca, and follow the “Canada 150” link on the home page.