Something for everyone to enjoy in Wascana Park
Each year, Canada Day attracts thousands of visitors to Wascana Park. With more than two dozen events scheduled throughout the park this year, Alex Johnson spotlights five you might not want to miss.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
Grab a non-perishable food item, and skip the first meal of the day — until you arrive at the park. This year, the Regina Canada Day Committee (RCDC) has partnered with Save on Foods for a pancake breakfast in Wascana Park. In exchange for your food donation, you’ll receive pancakes, sausages and coffee. All donations will go toward the Regina Food Bank. Breakfast runs from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the main stage area.
WESTERN CANADA’S STRONGEST MAN COMPETITION
Watch the top 12 strength athletes in Canada compete for the title of Western Canada’s Strongest Man (CSM), in front of the legislative building from 1 to 3:30 p.m. There won’t likely be another venue around where you can watch men pull buses, hoist giant rocks, throw kegs and deadlift vehicles. The top three competitors will move on — with an all-expenses-paid trip — to the national championship in Quebec City in August.
THE PLYWOOD CUP
Teams of four gather on the south shore of Wascana Lake at 12:30 p.m. Upon arrival, participants will begin the tedious challenge of building a boat out of plywood, using only supplied materials — no chewing gum allowed. At 2:30 p.m., selected shipmates race from one side of the lake to the other, competing for the 2016 Plywood Cup title. You might find something oddly satisfying — or repulsive — about watching homemade water-vessels struggle to complete their journey in Wascana Lake.
THE LIVING FLAG
This is your chance to see a human flag. Some 1,200 participants will assemble into the fleshy version of our red and white emblem on the west lawn of the legislative building at 1 p.m. Never fear — participants will be clothed. Each of the 1,200 contributors will receive a red or white shirt before they head into formation.
FIREWORKS
If you’ve celebrated Canada Day in the park, you’re likely aware the fireworks are a main event. “You can’t even keep track of how many people come, because the streets are flooded with people,” said RCDC CEO Mark Shmelinski. The show starts when the sun sets; however, the RCDC recommends coming earlier to grab a spot. Fireworks are set off from Willow Island, on the northeast side of the lake.