Packing 150 years of celebration into one day isn’t enough so the Town of Okotoks will spend three days celebrating Canada Day this year.
The Town has extended its Canada Day celebrations this year, adding new events and will have an even bigger fireworks show to commemorate Canada’s 150th year as a country.
“It’s a three-day event this year for Canada 150,” said Mark Doherty, Town of Okotoks community events co-ordinator.
The festivities get started Friday night in Okotoks downtown. A free concert is being held at the plaza stage from 7 to 9 p.m. Former Okotoks buskerfest winner Carter Randall will kick things off with his juggling prowess, followed up by DeWinton guitarist Brettyn Rose and OneWest country band of Okotoks.
Downtown merchants marked with a Canada Day balloon will be hosting games and holding sales.
“There are over 30 stores participating,” Doherty said. “There will be activities on Elma Street, Elizabeth and McRae.”
On Saturday the events gear up again starting at 9:30 a.m. with a free parent and tot swim and aquafit class, followed by free public swimming.
Outdoor activities, games and entertainment will get going on the baseball diamond next to the water park starting at 11 a.m. with a decorated bike parade.
“This is something new,” Doherty said. “Kids can bring their decorated bikes and they will gather at the curling rink.”
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Following the bike parade their will be ethnic dancing, including First Nations dancers and Latin dancing and children can have their faces painted and play games and make crafts.
Food samples from around the world that have been prepared by newcomers to the area will be served starting at noon at the rec centre.
Foothills Immigration Community Services settlement co-ordinator Nancy Risdon said the event connects newcomers, who often want to give back to the community.
“It is very popular,” she said, adding last year they served 800 people. “You can take a sampling of each country’s food and by the end of the line you have full plate of food from 12 countries.”
At 2 p.m. Mayor Bill Robertson will cut the Canada Day cake at the Recreation Centre baseball diamond, followed by a free performance by the Big Rock Singers and friends.
“We are singing songs written by Canadians, for Canadians, about Canadians,” said Nairn Nerland, Big Rock Singer marketing director.
Saturday ends with a fireworks show that is fitting for a 150th birthday.
“It will be a spectacular show,” Doherty said, adding it will be 15 to 20 minutes long.
The fireworks will be shot off just south of the Okotoks BMX track.
Sunday’s Canada Day celebrations continue at Ethel Tucker Park at 11 a.m. with a one hour walk in the park with the mayor, followed by a barbecue by the Lions Club and old-fashioned games, like the three-legged race and egg toss starting at noon.
