Canada Day party planning underway

Creemore always celebrates Canada Day in style and the party planning is well under way, coordinated by the Legionʼs Norm Nordstrom. 

The July 1 celebrations start with a Canada Day three-on-three ball hockey tournament at 9:30 a.m. in front of the Legion. Participants are invited to register as a team or an individual in the competitive or family division. Cost is $15 per player. Games will be played on Veterans Way, between the Creemore Arena and the Legion, where most Canada Day activities are taking place throughout the day. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. Games start at 10:30 a.m. To sign up, or for more information, e-mail Ed Van Severen at edvanseveren@gmail.com.

The annual Harold Crawford Memorial Kids’ Bike Parade begins at 1 p.m. Youth are invited to decorate their bicycles with a Canadian theme and meet at Mad River Park, at the south end of Mill Street, in time for the start. Contact Ken Day at 705-816-6311.

The bike parade will be followed by a parade for kids of all ages. It will have Samuel de Champlain theme and organizers are calling on participation from anyone who has antique cars, trucks and tractors. Form up on George Street behind the cyclists and be ready to roll at 1 p.m. 

After the parades there will be Olde Thyme Games and activities at the Legion, and the official cake cutting is at 2 p.m.  

Water First will be on hand for the afternoon to lead children’s activities and there will be a Tai Chi demonstration at 7:30 p.m.

There will be food and drink available throughout the day with the Legion ladies cooking brunch from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with French toast, waffles, peameal bacon, fried potatoes, fruit muffins, croissants, yogurt, juices, coffee and tea, and a barbecue lunch from 1 p.m. to about 3 p.m., and the Legion will be barbecuing dinner from 6 p.m. on. 

An official ceremony begins at 8 p.m., with the singing of the National Anthem and the Man and Woman of the Year presentations and then The Steve Baker Magic Show will entertain while people wait for the fireworks at dusk. 

Donations for fireworks can be made that night and at collection jars around town, or send a cheque to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 397, 27 Wellington St W, Creemore, ON L0M 1G0.