If you’ve ever wondered what to do for a 149th birthday party, Edmonton’s got your ticket.
Events around the country are being planned to celebrate the anniversary of the signing of the British North America Act (later the Constitution Act) which united Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec and Ontario in 1867 and effectively created the beginnings of what would eventually become modern-day Canada.
Not to be upstaged by its eastern counterparts, Edmonton is ready to party. Along with the customary fireworks, events to showcase the country’s diversity and history are planned.
Provincial party
The 20th Field Regiment uses C3 105mm Howitzers for the 21 gun salute during Canada Day celebrations in 2014.
Nothing says happy birthday like explosions. The celebration at the Alberta legislature grounds begins with a 21-gun salute at noon. Visitors to the iconic domed building can, for the only time during the year, walk the chamber floor along with exploring the rest of the building’s iconic architecture.
One particular exhibit in the Borealis Gallery showcases Voices for the Vote, which celebrates another milestone — the 100th anniversary of the province’s women’s suffrage movement.
Four separate performance areas will host acts for all ages. Full details and schedules are available at www.assembly.ab.ca/canadaday.
Celebrating throughout the city
Canadian mini-cupcakes were a big hit on Canada Day at the Valley Zoo in 2015.
Wherever you are in the city, a bit of Maple Leaf frivolity can be found.
Starting at 10 a.m., visitors to Fort Edmonton Park can get a look into the early days of the nation, complete with a Dominion Day parade, toast to the queen and other royal activities.
At noon, City Hall will come to life with live music and dancing, kids’ crafts and giveaways. Meanwhile, the Valley Zoo will be celebrating its own 57th birthday, as well as the 41st birthday of its most notable resident, Lucy the elephant.
A party in the park will be the centre of entertainment in Mill Woods starting at 1 p.m. as the Mill Woods Park welcomes people for hayrides, a petting zoo, carnival games and live music. Later on, the Chinatown Night Market will include cultural performances, craft sales and food trucks beginning at 4 p.m.
Of course, what’s a birthday without explosions? The fireworks finale begins at 11 p.m. with the best viewing from the Legislature grounds, Victoria Park, Government House Park and the Edmonton Ballpark.
Some parking will be restricted and Edmonton Transit Service will adding a few extra routes. For details, check online at edmonton.ca/canadaday.
Party with rockets
Children fire off pop bottle rockets at the Telus World of Science in 2013.
There’s no reason history and science can’t converge. The Telus World of Science Edmonton has a spate of Canada Day events lined up, including rockets, circus and lasers.
A science circus starts at 1 p.m. featuring Kan the Scientist and Ada the Clown doing big, messy experiments. Beginning at 1:45 p.m., 32 rockets will be launched to commemorate the Centre’s 32nd anniversary. Finally, young music fans can pay a little extra for the most Canadian of shows that can only be described in two words: Laser Bieber.
Details and prices can be found on the Telus World of Science website at www.twose.ca.
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