Eventful weekend culminates in Canada Day fireworks
By Justin Sibbet - Lethbridge Herald Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on June 29, 2024.
Herald file photo -
Two-year-old Brie Smith waits with her block, while being supported by mother Kaitie, as Aliya Kregal stacks hers on top during a game of Jenga at last year's Canada Day festivities at Galt Gardens.LETHBRIDGE HERALDjsibbet@lethbridgeherald.com
Residents will be treated to a busy long weekend, with Canada Day celebrations acting as the cherry on top.
Beginning yesterday and carrying through the weekend, events such as Rib Fest, the Mosaic Music Festival and more will keep residents entertained ahead of Canada Day.
On the 157th anniversary of our nation, activities will be taking place at Galt Gardens and Henderson Lake. There will be something happening from 9 a.m. until the fireworks show at 11 p.m.
The Interfaith Foodbank will be hosting a charity breakfast during the morning hours on Monday, while a show and shine, artisan market and Indigenous education area will round out the rest of the day in the downtown park.
The festivities at Henderson Lake will begin at 11 a.m.
Janessa Brown, co-chair of the Canada Day planning committee, says they will jump right into the meat and potatoes from the off.
“We will start with our main stage entertainment, where we have a really great lineup of performers and dancers,” said Brown. “We also have returning features such as our food zone.”
She says there will also be dragon boat, canoe and kayak demonstrations so long as Mother Nature cooperates. Staying on dry land, however, Brown says there are several new attractions including stilt walkers, a bubble station and even an educational magic show.
“To round out the whole festivity, we end with, of course, the fireworks, which is also weather permitting.”
If the weather is mysterious, she says there will be an announcement on the main stage once the final decision is made regarding the fireworks. Furthermore, she says the City of Lethbridge social media accounts will also post updates once they are available.
No matter what the weather allows, Brown says she is eager to see all the families and friends hanging out, enjoying what Lethbridge has to offer.
“I’m just excited to be there and see the community come together and just celebrate the day,” said Brown.
This year will also see free public transit which will help alleviate traffic and parking concerns for those wishing to celebrate Canada’s birthday.
Darwin Juell, general manager of transportation and transit for the City of Lethbridge, says
“This is the first time ever, at least in 20 years to my history, we’ve done free Canada Day service all day,” said Juell.
He says this means transit will be available from a.m. until after the fireworks show concludes near midnight.
“Historically, we’ve had free transit as a shuttle from 7 p.m. until midnight,” said Juell. “We’re hoping that lots of the public comes out, uses that free bus morning, noon or evening and try to avoid those busy parking lots.”
He says there will be a mixture of regular transit buses servicing all standard stops, but the shuttle in the evening will also be operational, creating a seamless alternative to residents driving on their own.
“You don’t need to worry about parking your car, fighting with traffic and you can leave whenever you want because it’s free for all day.”
The City says previous Canada Day estimates show upwards of 15,000 attendees arriving to enjoy the activities on offer.
The activities at Galt Gardens will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the events at Henderson Lake kick off at 11 a.m. and continue until the fireworks show at 11 p.m.
23-22
I will definitely pass on the Galt homeless park for the festivities, but will gladly enjoy Henderson Lake celebrations.
“Indigenous education area”
I for one already have seen enough to the Indigenous on our streets therefore I do not need anymore education. My tax dollars have supported the Indigenous all my work life and because they could not respect the homes we built them or industries we attempted to employ them in their communities, and instead continued attacks on us calling us Colonialists who stole their land, I have all the education about them I will ever need.
I want to celebrate Canada Day with those who appreciate their country, and respect their fellow citizens!