Organizers of this year’s Canada Day celebra-tion on Petrie Island have released a schedule of the day’s activities which includes something for absolutely everyone.
The program will begin at 9 a.m. with an Amazing Race Water Competition organized by the Petrie Island Canoe Club during which participants will take part in a series of challenges. After the competition, there will be a War Canoe Race off.
The day’s main events will kick off at 10 a.m. with the opening of the Kids Zone featuring with a fishing pond, inflatable rides, craft tables, mini-putt and face-painting. 10 a.m. is also when the free shuttles will begin from the Collège La Cité campus on Jeanne d’Arc Blvd.
There will limited parking at the college campus. Additional parking will also be avail-able at the Trim Road park and ride, however. there will be no shuttle service from the lot. Members of the public will have to cross Hwy. 174 at the traffic light at their own risk and catch the shuttle to the beach or walk down on their own.
VIP passes are available for people who want to park on the island next to the site at a cost of $100. The VIP Package includes access to a private lounge, private bar services, access to the Petrie Island parking lot and meal vouchers. VIP packages can be purchased at https://canadadayorleans.ca.
The food vendors, beverage tent and local artisan tables will also be open at 10 a.m., along with beach volleyball, beach tennis and Ultimate frisbee.
At 11 a.m., kids can enjoy a magic show and marvel at the stilt-walkers.
At 11:30 a.m., the folks from the Meet the Keepers Wildlife Rescue centre will put on a demonstration featuring a selection of animals and birds. A second demonstration will take place at 2:30 p.m.
A Zumba dance session will take place from the main stage at 12 noon to get everyone’s blood flowing, just in time for the opening ceremonies at 1 p.m.
The ceremony will include the singing of the national anthem and the Reaffirmation of Citizenship Oath.
Following the opening ceremonies, a giant birthday cake will brought out and served to the masses.
After the final piece of cake has been served, the main stage entertainment will begin with performances by students from Sing House Studio and the Orléans School of Rock.
Kevin Schofield will perform at 6 p.m., followed by The Phoenicians at 7 p.m., River City Junction at 8 p.m., Julianna Labelle at 9:45 p.m.
Labelle will also lead the crowd in the singing of O Canada which cue the start of this year’s spectacular fireworks display.
After the fireworks, there will be a DJ-led dance party until 11 p.m. when the festivities will come to a close and everyone will start the process of returning to their cars.
ORLEANS FARMERS MARKET every Thursday from 11 am to 4 pm in the parking lot at the Ray Friel Recreation Centre on Tenth Line Road. Shop the freshest seasonal produce, meat and dairy, baked goods, prepared foods, crafts and more while getting to know the folks who grew and made it.
STATION 71 PANCAKE BREAKFAST from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Fire Station 71 in Navan with a freewill donation to the CHEO Foundation. Come enjoy pancakes with local maple syrup Erabliere des Wats Sugar Bush, local coffee from Papa Bean coffee roastery, and sausages and bacon from Lavergne Meat. After breakfast check out the Navan Fall Fest at the Navan Fairgrounds.
