From pancake breakfasts and parades to live music, motorcycle rallies and fireworks, communities across the region are preparing to celebrate Canada Day with a full slate of family-friendly activities.
Whether you’re looking for small-town charm or an all-day festival atmosphere, there will be no shortage of ways to mark July 1 close to home.
Beckwith Township
Canada Day in Beckwith begins with a seniors’ buffet breakfast at Brunton Community Hall from 8 to 10 a.m., sponsored by Topps Environmental Solutions.
The Beckwith Hootenanny follows from 10 a.m. to noon at Brunton Community Hall, 2022 Beckwith Park Lane, featuring live entertainment by The Brownie Bunch.
Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, mingle with neighbours and enjoy the festivities. The event is open to all ages.
Residents planning to attend the breakfast are asked to RSVP by June 23 by contacting the township office at 613-257-1539, ext. 210, or by email at events@twp.beckwith.on.ca.
Carleton Place
Carleton Place will host its Canada Day celebration at Riverside Park from 1 to 10 p.m.
Despite ongoing construction work in the park, the town says visitors can still expect the same festive atmosphere.
New this year are two initiatives aimed at improving accessibility and reducing the event’s environmental footprint: bicycle valet parking, operated with support from the Carleton Place Environmental Advisory Committee, and a free shuttle bus service to help ease traffic congestion and parking pressures around Riverside Park.
Families can enjoy a variety of activities throughout the afternoon, including Airbounce inflatable games from 1 to 8 p.m., craft and activity areas from 1 to 7 p.m., FIFA World Cup-themed activities, live entertainment, food vendors and community activities.
Lanark Highlands
Lanark Highlands residents can celebrate Canada Day with a day of family fun centred around Clyde Memorial Ball Field.
Activities are expected to include a bicycle parade, face painting, a magic show, food vendors, live entertainment and fireworks to cap off the evening.
Merrickville-Wolford
Merrickville-Wolford’s Canada Day festivities begin at 11 a.m. with a parade departing from Hilltop Manor and travelling south along St. Lawrence Street to Blockhouse Park.
The schedule includes a cake-cutting ceremony at 11:45 a.m., followed by a Lions Club barbecue lunch at noon.
Live entertainment begins at 12:15 p.m. with Adeline & The Heathens, followed by Southbound at 2:15 p.m. Celebrations conclude at 4 p.m.
The municipality no longer hosts a fireworks display. The Merrickville and District Agricultural Society will host festivities in Eastons Corners.
North Grenville
North Grenville’s celebrations will take place at both Riverside Park in Kemptville and Maplewood Park in Oxford Mills.
Opening ceremonies begin at 11 a.m., followed by a full day of entertainment, family activities and fireworks.
Kemptville – Riverside Park
Following opening ceremonies, musicians Derek McKinley, Arthur McGregor and Caitlin Thorne will perform during the afternoon.
Evening entertainment features Roxy’s Proxy, Ottawa Valley Hall of Famer Jamie McMunn and the Canadian Cowboys ahead of the fireworks finale.
Family activities include face painting, inflatable games, bouncy castles and balloon artists. The Kemptville Pool and splash pad will also be open free of charge.
Food vendors will offer everything from breakfast at the Legion to poutine, BeaverTails, coffee and refreshments throughout the day.
Oxford Mills – Maplewood Park
The day begins with a performance by the Legion Pipe Band and a flag-raising ceremony.
Entertainment includes Caitlin Thorne, Rosewood, and the Dusty Drifters.
Visitors can also enjoy Dial-a-Chef crepes and a Lions Club barbecue.
Perth
Perth’s Canada Day festivities will take place at the Conlon Farm Recreation Complex before concluding with a fireworks display presented by the Perth Firefighters’ Association.
All-day activities include access to the splash pad and playground, a canteen offering a special dinner menu and the OPP Mobile Support Unit.
Scheduled activities include:
- 3:30 p.m. – OPP Canine Unit demonstration
- 4 to 5 p.m. – Bicycle parade
- 5 to 9 p.m. – Face painting with Pixie Pie
- 5:30 p.m. – OPP Canine Unit demonstration
- 6 to 6:45 p.m. – Born to Amaze! magic show
- 7 to 10 p.m. – Live music featuring Linda Grenier and Dave Tilston performing as Smoke & Mirrors
- 10 p.m. – Fireworks display
Organizers encourage attendees to bring lawn chairs or blankets for the fireworks, along with sunscreen, water and swimsuits for the splash pad.
The Town of Perth is also encouraging residents to learn more about Indigenous history, residential schools and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
Rideau Lakes
Newboro
Newboro’s Canada Day celebration will take place at the Newboro Community Hall from 3 to 7 p.m. Organized by the Newboro Community Enhancement Committee in partnership with Rideau Lakes Township, the afternoon promises a mix of family fun and small-town tradition.
Activities and games begin at 3 p.m., along with a petting zoo, displays by local artists and the Heritage Society, live music by Three 2 Go, a classic car display, and food and refreshments.
A community parade will start at 6 p.m., followed by a birthday cake cutting at 7 p.m. to wrap up the festivities.
The event is free to attend, with donations appreciated.
Portland
Portland residents and visitors can enjoy the annual Cow Island fireworks display over Big Rideau Lake.
Supported by Len’s Cove Marina and the Big Rideau Lake Association, the event has become a Canada Day tradition for many local families.
Smiths Falls
In Smiths Falls, Canada Day celebrations will take on a two-wheeled twist as Downtown Bike Night rolls into the downtown core on July 1.
The monthly event, organized by the Downtown Smiths Falls Business Association, will feature motorcycles, vendors, live entertainment and extended shopping hours beginning at 3 p.m.
The event has become a popular summer gathering, drawing residents and visitors alike to the heart of the community.
From early-morning breakfasts and small-town parades to lakeside fireworks and evening concerts, communities across the region are inviting residents and visitors to come together and celebrate Canada Day close to home.
Westport
Westport will mark Canada Day with festivities throughout the village, including a special Canada Day patio party at The Cove Inn.
Presented and sponsored by the Westport Canada Day Committee, the event will feature live music by SoulFire, with proceeds from a 50/50 raffle supporting future Canada Day celebrations.
The event is free to attend, although organizers recommend making reservations as the patio reached capacity last year. A revised start time will allow attendees to make their way to the evening fireworks display.
For reservations, call The Cove Inn at 613-273-3636.
Editor’s Note: Send your Canada Day events to ljweir@pdgmedia.ca to be included in the list.
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