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Canada Day, Sudbury style

Food? Music? Kids' activities? The city has it all July 1
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A scene from the 2015 Canada Day celebration put on by the Sudbury Multicultural and Folk Arts Association. The multicultural association's food fair and cultural performances at the Sudbury Arena return this year, along with several other Canada Day events throughout the city. File photo.

There's plenty of ways for Sudburians to celebrate their Canadian pride this July 1.

As usual, the city's two major Canada Day celebrations are at the Sudbury Arena and Science North.

Sudbury Arena 

The downtown arena hosts a long-running event put on by the Sudbury Multicultural and Folk Arts Association, featuring food from around the world, as well as entertainment by many Sudbury cultural groups.

Doors to the arena open at 9 a.m. Then at 9:30 a.m. there's a parade leading from Memorial Park to the arena, followed by a short ceremony featuring speeches by dignitaries, the singing of O Canada and First Nations drumming.

If you get there early, you'll probably be able to get your hands on a free Canada Day cupcake made by Create-A-Cake. Then the food booths open at 11 a.m. The arena celebration wraps up at 4 p.m. Admission is $1 for children and seniors, and $2 for adults.

Zenaida Odense, chair of the multicultural association's Canada Day committee, said association members are proud to share their culture — and food — with others. “Wherever you go, if you serve food, they come, right?” she said.

Science North

The Canada Day Family Celebration takes place on the grounds of Science North starting at noon.

“Celebrate Canada’s birthday with live entertainment, awesome science, and the KiSS Canada Day Band Jam competition, topped off by a spectacular fireworks display!” said information on Science North's website.

“Visit our many vendors and enjoy great food, great fun, and great festivities throughout the day. This alcohol-free family day takes place on the grounds of Science North and is free for all ages.”

Entertainment includes the children's performers Dufflebag Theatre, as well as Pandora Topp and Les Giselles, Mandala and Young Sudbury Singers.

Children's activities include science demonstrations, Canada Day-themed arts and crafts, face painting, pony rides, inflatables, and trampolines, rollers and balance beams.

The big Bell Park fireworks display by David Whysall International Fireworks starts at around 10:15 p.m. 

A note for those heading to Science North's festivities — on-site parking is very limited, so people are encouraged to take shuttle buses from the downtown transit terminal and the Southridge Mall.

Buses leave every 30 minutes from 11:45 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. Return trips after the fireworks begin immediately after the display ends. Fare is $1 per person.

Canada Day Block Party

The Grace Hartman Amphitheatre hosts a new event this year called the Canada Day Block Party, put on by Hands UP Entertainment and Social Sounds.

The event lasts from 2 to 11 p.m. July 1, and features Redfoo (a.k.a. the guy with the afro from LMFAO) and The Party Rock Crew as the headlining artist. 

It also features Peter Jackson and Michael Mazze performing their No. 3 billboard hit, Rap City.

“Throughout the day local talents will be taking on the stage keeping you entertained,” said the event's Facebook page. “There will be plenty of food, frozen treats, clothing and much more! This is definitely something you do not want to miss!”

Tickets range from $15 to $80, and can be purchased online at canadadayblockparty.ca.

Sunrise Concert

There's also a few smaller Canada Day celebrations happening in the city.

Octatonic Decadence is hosting a Canada Day Sunrise Concert starting at 5 a.m. July 1 at the Vale Living with Lakes Centre.

The event includes a Canadian breakfast, a seminar on Canadian music and a guided nature tour. Tickets cost $50, and are available at www.octadec.ca.

Audience members are also welcome to listen from their rowboats, canoes and kayaks on Ramsey Lake.

Legion celebration

Branch 76 of the Royal Canadian Legion also hosts a family-friendly Canada Day celebration.

The event starts at noon July 1, and involves face painting, music, dancing, games, food, birthday cake and fireworks.

The barbecue starts at noon, with opening ceremonies at 1 p.m., and music by Victor John and Gene at 1:30 p.m. Admission is a silver collection (change). Branch 76 is located at 1533 Weller St.


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Heidi Ulrichsen

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