Music and dancing will be a big part of next week’s festivities as Black Diamond celebrates Canada Day.
The Town is honouring Canada’s birthday in conjunction with Diamond Music Fest in Erma Joy Brown Park on July 1. Festivities include a pancake breakfast, market, face painting, inflatable obstacle course, dog shows, live music, beer gardens and fireworks.
“Canada Day is always a hit – we always get a good turnout,” said Kelly Tuck, special events co-ordinator. “It’s a great family event where you can come out and spend the whole day.”
The festivities kick off with a pancake breakfast at 9 a.m.
Mayor Ruth Goodwin will address those in attendance at 11 a.m. followed by the cutting of the cake, singing of O Canada and a performance by The Heat Drummers and Dancers of Eden Valley.
Children’s activities run from noon to 4 p.m. and the music festival from noon to 9 p.m.
“There’s all different kinds of music,” said Tuck. “We wanted to have a great mix of music and I think this show we have a nice complement. Many have performed in the past and we’re excited to have them back.”
Those celebrating will have plenty to eat with the Royal Canadian Legion Turner Valley Branch serving hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken fingers, fries, ice cream, cotton candy and snow cones.
Service groups and volunteers stepped up to assist with the day’s celebration, said Tuck, offering their services to host the barbecue, beer gardens and children’s activities.”
“We have tons of people who have donated in different ways,” she said. “We’re very fortunate.”
In addition to the generosity of service clubs and donors, Tuck said a donation box will be at the event inviting the public to help contribute to the costs of the event.
Tuck said inviting residents and visitors for a day of fun in the park is a great way to celebrate being Canadian.
“People like coming out and getting their little Canadian flag and being a part of an event that recognizes our country,” she said. “It’s about being a proud Canadian.”
Goodwin echoes Tuck’s points, saying it’s important to celebrate what a wonderful country we live in.
“It's important to recognize and demonstrate the pride of being a Canadian,” she said. “It's really nice to be reminded of where we are in the world and how important it is. I’m very proud to be a Canadian.”
Goodwin said the event is improving each year.
“With input from the attendees, residents, as well as businesses locally, we've been able to fine tune and build on our Canada Day celebrations,” she said. “We’re thoroughly looking forward to all the day’s activities and I'm glad we're able to do it on a scale that recognizes the input from community with regards to the importance of celebrating Canada Day.”
The day’s festivities end with a fireworks display behind RONA.
