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157-YEARS-OLD

Canada Day celebrations will light up the skies in central Alberta

Jun 28, 2024 | 6:00 AM

This year on July 1, Canada turns 157 years old and many communities in central Alberta are celebrating in their own way.

Red Deer will be holding a celebration at Bower Ponds in Great Chief Park from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., when fireworks will be set off.

There will be entertainment on the outdoor stage, food booths, bouncy castles, and other activities brought by the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame.

There will be an opening ceremony at 2 p.m., followed by cake. Buses will be running from Sorenson Station to the event every 15 minutes from 10 a.m. until midnight for a $1 cost.

Attendees are asked to keep their dogs at home for the event.

The following celebrations will occur in the surrounding areas:

Sylvan Lake: Fireworks will be set off at 10:45 p.m. on July 1, from the pier at Lakeshore Drive and Centennial Street.

Blackfalds: On July 1 from 1-3 p.m., there will be music, giveaways, refreshments, a face painter, and a glitter tattoo artist at the Tayles Spray Park.

Lacombe: From 4-8 p.m. on July 1, in the École Junior High School field there will be an outdoor market, food trucks, family-friendly games, and an e-sports tournament. Afterward, residents can head to Cranna Lake, where there will be live music and food trucks starting at 9 p.m., until the fireworks at 11 p.m.

Penhold: Pancake breakfast at the Lincoln Street Recreation Area from 8:30-11:30 a.m. on July 1. Cost is $10 per person over three years old, and $3 for those under three. There will be mini golf, face painting, a balloon artist, balloon circus, axe throwing, Jenga, Connect Four, and cornhole games.

Innisfail: Begins at 5:30 p.m. on June 30, at the Napoleon Sports Field. There will be a family area with an obstacle course and bouncy castle, face painting, and yard games. A beer garden will be hosted by Field & Forge Brewing Co., and there will be three food trucks on site. There will be a variety of live performances throughout the day, leading up to the closing fireworks at 11 p.m.

Olds: There will be kickoff fireworks set off from Rotary Athletic Park at 11 p.m. on June 30. On July 1, a parade will begin at 10 a.m., followed by activities in Centennial Park. An entertainment stage will feature a magic show, watermelon eating contest, and more throughout the day. Games, bouncy houses, sparkle tattoos, and hot dogs will also be available. The afternoon will finish with a free concert by Martin Kerr at 7 p.m.

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