Port Hope announces Canada Day plans

Fireworks display. By Mike Enerio. Free Use Domain-Upsplash

By: Cecilia Nasmith, Northumberland 89.7 FM

Port Hope

The Municipality of Port Hope has announced its schedule for Canada Day, with a mix of new and traditional events throughout the community.

“Every year on July 1, our Canada Day celebrations bring our community together in a special way,” Mayor Olena Hanivsky commented in the announcement.

“It is a day to gather, enjoy and reflect, recognizing that while many celebrate, this day holds different meanings for others. As we come together, let's honour our shared history, celebrate our diversity and enjoy the time with our friends, family and neighbours.”

The Monday-night lead-in to the big day is a Movies In The Park feature – the 1986 classic Labyrinth under the stars in Memorial Park. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for this free family-friendly experience.

The Port Hope Lions Club will host a Sugarbush Breakfast (pancakes, sausages and syrup) next morning from 8 to 11 a.m., and the Canada Day Show 'N' Shine car show will feature antique, classic and custom vehicles from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the front lawn of Town Hall and Rotary Park. And on the back lawn of Town Hall, Yoga In The Park will offer a guided stretch-out from 10 to 11 a.m.

Due to Walton Street reconstruction, this year's parade route is the same as last year's, with an 11 a.m. kickoff at the corner of Bramley and Ridout. The parade will travel down Walton Street, turning onto Pine Street South and continuing east on Augusta to finish at town hall. At the bandshell, the official opening ceremony will be held at 11:45 a,m., with the singing of O Canada by Deputy Fire Chief Darryl Thompson, a welcome from the mayor, and Queenie's cupcakes.

The Refreshment Gardens in Memorial Park, hosted by the Port Hope and District Agricultural Society open in Memorial Park at 11 a.m. Also in Memorial Park as well as Augusta Street, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., enjoy the activity stations and food vendors, with such activities as mini-putt, bouncy castles, free freezies, the return of laser tag and a new inflatable ball-hockey rink.

Entertainment will run all afternoon in Memorial Park, with the Soul Shakers Union from noon to 2 p.m., Vinyl Groovz Band from 2 to 4 p.m., Monkey Mountain from 4 to 6 p.m., The Buzz from 6 to 8 p.m., and Storm the Palace from 8 to 10 p.m.

At the East Beach, DJ Chris Martell will start spinning tunes at 9:30 p.m., leading up to a spectacular fireworks display at the pier at 10:15 p.m.