I AM Canadian...

I AM Canadian
and other reasons why you can proudly celebrate Canada Day in Burlington

Canada truly is a great country and it’s fascinating to think about how we are perceived around the world. So, you and I know that we don’t live in igloos (but that would be nice and cool if it didn’t melt in this heat wave) all have pet moose we play hockey with or say “Eh?” after every sentence. But we also know that there are many great reasons to celebrate our great country on her 146^th birthday.

The Burlington Canada Day Committee has been working for almost a year to plan an amazing day to help you celebrate what it means to you to live in this great country, not to mention city (did you hear that Money Sense declared Burlington as the #1 Canadian mid-size city to live in!?). Here’s what you can look forward to on July 1 in Spencer Smith Park:

Exercise your right to celebrate

Before the Canada Day Celebrations officially start at noon, you can get a run in with Green Germann Sakran Canada Day 5K put on by VRPro. The run starts at 8:30 a.m. behind the Waterfront Hotel and goes along our beautiful waterfront. Get a good stretch in with a free yoga class at 9:30 a.m. with Beth Rutty Yoga in the west end of the park.

Pledge to have fun

This year the Citizenship Court will be held at 9:30 a.m. in the Gazebo. Congratulate 40 new Canadian Citizens as they receive their citizenship on Canada Day. I can’t think of a better day to become a Canadian, can you?

Make it official

The event starts at noon with the official ceremony at 1 p.m. Now perhaps by the time the event rolls around I’m just tired but seeing the Burlington Teen Tour Band perform always chokes me up! Not to mention hearing Charissa Pavlou lead the crowd in the singing of O Canada. That girl sure can sing! MP Mike Wallace, MP Jane McKenna, Chair Gary Carr and Mayor Rick Goldring will bring greetings.

Let’s get this party started

So, personally, I think the best place to celebrate Canada Day is from the Canadiana Viewing Tent. If you purchase your tickets in advance, $20 gets you a catered meal from Niche Catering, who’s created the Canadian roast beef sandwich:

Firecracker shaved roast beef beef sandwich on 7' hoagy bun, with rosemary au jus, caramelized onions, cremini mushrooms, roasted garlic, topped with smoked Gouda cheese.

Or if you’re not a carnivore, there’s a veggie sandwich too:

Grilled vegetable medley of sweet peppers, mushroom, onions, zucchini, Swiss chard, in Basil pesto with toasted sunflower seeds, on hoagy bun topped with three cheese shred. Hmmm, suddenly I’m quite hungry! They’re also serving watermelon and we’ve got snacks and a choice of two drinks: soft drinks, water, wine or Nickelbrook beer.

If that wasn’t enough value for your money, you get in and out privileges to seating that offers shaded areas and great views of the main stage and the lake (both water ski shows and the fireworks will be in front of the Canadiana Viewing Area). And most importantly, upgraded washroom trailers so you don’t have to use the porta-potties.

Did I mention that children are only $10 and can choose a kids’ meal and hang out with the family?

Last year we sold out but if we still have tickets on Monday, they’re $25 at the gate for adults. Kids are still $10.

We are family

Everyone is welcome and there really is something for all ages. Check out the marketplace for some great shopping, the activity providers to keep busy and the food court for sustenance. There’s fun on the East Lawn (behind the Waterfront Hotel) with bouncers, a monster mural, crafts and the Community Stage featuring Canadian talent Ivy James, Lesley Pike, and Burlington’s own Beautiful Nothing.

Be amazed by the Scholars in Collars agility dogs beside the Gazebo at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. and check out the tricks on Lake Ontario during SWS Water Ski shows at 2:30 and 5:30 p.m.

Do a little dance

The main stage will have a fantastic line up of free music by original Canadian artists this year. Our headliner is Hawksley Workman. They hit the stage at 3 p.m. We’ve also got local favourites Charissa Pavlou on at 2 p.m., Melissa Bel at 4:30 p.m. and Lesley Pike at 6 p.m. Steve Wilkinson of The Wilkinsons fame will perform at 7 p.m. The grand finale will be provided by Symphony on the Bay at 9 p.m.

Out with a bang

We’re pretty excited to launch our fireworks presentation from the new Brant Street Pier this year at 10 p.m. Symphony on the Bay will accompany the fireworks with their rendition of 1812 Overture.

If you’re able to celebrate with us, have fun, keep cool and take some photos and send them to me, eh?

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