CHEK
Communities across the mid-Island wide are planning to go big for Canada’s big 150th birthday celebration. On the mid-Island, Qualicum Beach if promising its biggest Canada Day party yet and in Nanaimo for the first time there will be fireworks on July 1st. Skye Ryan reports.
Flying a big Canadian flag outside her Nanaimo home wasn’t enough for Heather Northrop this year.
“I am a very proud Canadian. I’m so grateful to live in this country,” Northrup said.
So she also planted beds of red and white flowers and lined her yard in flags to reflect the patriotism that’s bubbling up in the lead up to Canada’s 150th birthday.
“It’s really important for me to say put up a flag, celebrate who you are, be proud. I think if this was a U.S. holiday there would be American flags flying everywhere and I want more flags in my own neighbourhood,” Northrup said.
It’s a go-big-at-home attitude that organizers of Canada Day festivities across the mid-Island can relate to as towns big and small north of the Malahat prepare to celebrate their unique spots on the Island on Canada Day.
“And they all have that special small-town flavour,” Kim Burden of the Parksville Chamber of Commerce said.
In Qualicum Beach, organizers are planning their biggest Canada Day yet with concerts and family friendly activities downtown from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.
“As big as it’s ever gotten so hopefully, we’re starting on a future of good celebrations every July 1st,” co-organizer of Qualicum Beach’s Canada 150 celebrations, Mary Brouillette said.
Port Alberni’s Annual Canada Day Parade will be joined by something new. A floating concert in Harbour Quay, when a flotilla of boats outfitted with horns will perform O’Canada.
Parksville is expecting more than 25,000 to fill their community park to celebrate.
“This is the kick-off event for our summer season and we’re welcoming hundreds of thousands of people to our community over the summer and this is the event that gets it all rolling, Burden said.
Nanaimo plans to finish off a day of festivities a Maffeo Sutton Park with a bang.
“Yes there will be fireworks” Wally Wells, co-organizer of Nanaimo’s Canada Day 150 celebrations, said.
“I’m looking forward to the whole day. I think it will be awesome and I’m looking forward to the smiles on the kid’s faces.”
Skye Ryan
