There will be lots to see and do in the Westlock area in celebration of Canada’s 147th birthday on July 1.
In the Town of Westlock, the activities get underway on July 1 at 10 a.m. when the pool opens for a free public swim until 5 p.m.
The party really gets started at 2 p.m. when the kids’ zone opens up outside the pool.
Inside the zone, there will be face painting, a colouring contest, sidewalk chalk drawings, crafts and so much more. The zone will stay open until 6 p.m.
If you get hungry at the kids’ zone, don’t worry. There will also be a community barbecue complete with a Canada Day cake.
Once the zone closes up shop, there will be a break in the action until 10 p.m., when the party moves to into the field behind the pool. With fireworks on tap for 11 p.m., there will be a full hour of pre-fireworks entertainment. Bring you lawn chairs!
The Hamlet of Pickardville will go all out for its Canada Day celebration, hosting an array of events throughout the community.
Kylie Ford, a member of the Pickardville Community Association, said the hamlet has always done a lot around Canada Day, adding that it’s basically “our big community get-together and gathering.”
She noted the association is trying to do more events like this to build a sense of community, indicating there are a lot of new families in the area.
The day begins with a pancake breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Pickardville Community Hall, followed by a parade at 10:30 a.m. Anyone wishing to enter a float can call Edmond Riopel at 780-349-2860.
The hall will be the site of a concession and flea market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the United Church will host a pile sale during that time.
An antique tractor show will also be held behind the church following the parade.
The Marcel Boucher Memorial Horseshoe Tournament gets underway at noon behind the fire hall. There is a $5 entry fee and anyone wishing to enter can call Harvey at 780-349-0668.
Kids games, including a bouncy house and a money pit, will run from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. besides the Pickardville Fire Hall.
A car show featuring antique cars, classic cars and motorcycles is set to run from 1 to 3 p.m.
Ford said they are still toying with the idea of where to put the show, though it will still be in the hamlet. Anyone wishing to enter the car show can call Amy at 780-349-0669.
A firemen’s supper will begin at 5 p.m. at the Fire Hall, with supper running for $20 a plate.
Lawn tractor races will then begin at 8 p.m., and the day will end with fireworks at dusk at the Pickardville Sports Grounds.
The community of Dapp will host a toonie pancake breakfast at the Dapp Hall from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on Canada Day morning.
A short parade through the community will then follow at 11 a.m.
Up in Fawcett, there will be no festivities on Canada Day, as all activities have been moved to June 28 to coincide with the community’s slo-pitch tournament.
Even so, the activities will go on as if it were July 1, complete with the usual pancake breakfast, parade and petting zoo.
The day starts with a pancake breakfast in the community hall from 8-10 a.m.
Parade entries will gather in front of W.R. Frose School at 10:30 a.m. for judging before heading out along the usual route down Main Street starting at 11 a.m.
From 1-3 p.m., there will be a lunch on offer at the seniors’ centre, as well as a petting zoo for the kids.
And, of course, all day slo-pitch softball and beach volleyball will be taking place at the ball grounds.
