For Cindy Cardiff, July 1 marks the end to six months of living and breathing Canada Day.
She’s been the woman behind the nation’s birthday bash in Squamish for several years.
“I still get excited,” she said, noting she has lost count of how long she has been at the helm.
And with each candle, Cardiff adds something new to the festivities. This year it’s a focus on local music. Bands under O’Siyam Pavilion’s roof will be pumping downtown with tunes from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Feet will be-a-tapping as groups with names such as Bluesberry Jam and the Overcomers strike up their instruments.
“There’s some big names coming,” Cardiff said, adding Lovecoast is also taking to the stage.
From the beginning, Cardiff set out to make the bash a community-focused event. Various local organizations set up booths and activities showcasing what they’re about. Anyone’s welcome, Cardiff noted. The parade down Cleveland Avenue at 10:30 a.m. is people-driven with no vehicles.
“It’s a green parade, a true celebration of Canada,” she said.
Dog agility, loggers’ sport demos and the Classic Car Show are all back by popular demand. The young and young-at-heart will have a chance to walk on water in giant air bubbles and toddlers can take a ride around the park on ponies. These events build upon the staple flag raising, anthem singing and red and white birthday cake at the Cenotaph at 11 a.m.
At 10 p.m., hula hoopers Hevy Huups and fire spinners The Furious Flames will light things up. The party ends at 10:30 p.m. with fireworks over the Mamquam Blind Channel.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the national flag of Canada. It’s time to break out the red and white clothing.
“This is really a community celebration.”
