The Business Improvement Association (BIA) is inviting one and all and to party down - downtown that is.The BIA is bringing another Canada Day celebration extravaganza for residents near and far on Tuesday, July 1. From 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., residents and visitors can cruise Cleveland Avenue to take in everything from a parade to dog-agility demonstrations, from the Farmers Market to a flag raising ceremonies, and carnival games for the kids. Other highlights of the day include live performances by Sam's Rot'n Pot'n Pan band, 8 Seconds to Sunrise, The Shifters, and the infamous Rich Hope and His Evil Doers, who bring their own style of pure rock fury that will have all stomping feet, and shaking booties. The event reaches its crescendo with a fireworks display "that will send your senses into an awe inspired tizzy," promises one of the BIA organizing team Eric Armour. As always the beer garden will be on site to quench thirsts, and a choice of some of the finest local food vendors will be there help fill your bellies. "Make sure to come to (Un)Pavilion Park for a Canada Day celebration," said BIA executive director Tina Nowaczewski.The day starts at 10:30 a.m. with a Legion Parade from the Howe Sound Inn to the Municipal War Memorial. At 11 a.m. there will be a flag-raising ceremony followed by the cutting of the Canada Day birthday cake. Stick around to watch the dog agility demonstration in Stan Clarke Park and then cross the road at noon to take part in the Family Fun Carnival at "(Un)Pavilion Park." For $5, kids young and old will be able to try the March of the Penguins game, Hockey Shoot, Golf Challenge, Laser Toss, Jurassic Toss, Down the Clown, Cow Milker, and the Kiddie Hi-Striker. Morphy the Caterpillar, from Par-T-Perfect will watch over the scene and provide a climbing, sliding break from the games.Kelly Kerr of Paradise Valley Llama Trekking will be back again this year with llama rides for children."And what could be more Canadian than playing hockey?" asks Nowaczewski. That's why, courtesy of Brennan Park Recreation Centre, there will be a pick up street hockey game going on from noon to 4 pm. Bring your own stick or borrow one, all players are welcome.The music starts at 4:30 p.m. with a special family show by Sam's Rot'n Pot'n Pan Band, a Vancouver-based three-piece group that perform original, pirate-laced minstrel-flavoured kid-centric music. The music heats up from there with 8 Seconds to Sunrise, a local youth band that has been playing to happy audiences at Gelato's Open Mike nights. From there, the Shifters rock us back to the '50s and '60s, singing songs from favourites like the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Buddy Holly. The final act for the evening is Rich Hope and His Evildoers. "For those who caught them at Wild at Art, you'll know they're an insanely energetic blues-rock band with Jaggeresque swagger & southern twang," said Nowaczewski. "Pretty hard to top that but if anything can it is the impressive explosions and sparks of a great fireworks show," said Nowaczewski.Pyrotechnician Kris Keyes is busy choreographing a new display this year that will finish your Canada Day with a very satisfying bang. Food vendors will also be on-site throughout the day and the beer garden starts at 5 pm.
