Throw aside the Ps and Qs. It's time to be boastful Canadians, says the organizer of Squamish's Canada Day celebrations.
On Sunday, July 1, put on your red and white clothing and don't shy away from singing O Canada loudly, Cindy Cardiff said. At 10 a.m., a parade will set out from the Rotary Club clock on Cleveland Avenue and head to the cenotaph in Stan Clarke Park. There will be speeches by local politicians and representatives of the Squamish Nation, followed by the national anthem, the raising of the flag and, of course, cake.
Canadian pride will continue throughout the day, Cardiff said. SquamishFM has scheduled musical performances in downtown's O'Siyam Pavilion. Cleveland Avenue will be closed from Winnipeg to Manitoba streets. There will be a food court and a special Canada Day artisan and farmers' market. There will also be a classic car rally, a dog agility demonstration and a mini-loggers sports show.
There is going to be something for everyone, Cardiff said.
Local artists are hosting an en plein air art demonstration, in which painters work on their pieces in the park. Squamish Arts Council is also hosting an art exhibit in the council's downtown building.
The celebration will end with fireworks at 10 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association and the District of Squamish.
It's a community event. There are lots of other groups that are stepping up and being a part of it, Cardiff said.
Canada is turning 144 years old this year. It's an amazing country, filled with people of so many different cultures, Cardiff said.
Let's just take advantage of this and show we are proud to be Canadians, she said.
For more information visit www.squamishcanadaday.com or look up Squamish Canada Day on Facebook.
