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Parksville preparing for Canada Day 150 celebrations

Pancakes, parade, music, games and fireworks scheduled
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Canada Day in Parksville is coming up, so that means a parade, partying, fireworks and much more. Here is Flyin’ Phil St. Luke taking part in last year’s Parksville Canada Day parade. — File photo

It’s nearly time to celebrate Canada Day 150, and there are plenty of ways to do that in Parksville.

The Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce is once again the organizing committee for the city’s events.

Kim Burden, executive director of the chamber and a Parksville councillor, said revellers can expect the same good time they’ve had in past years.

While he noted there are various groups holding their own celebrations, Burden said, “We decided that we would provide the celebratory day that we always provide to give people an opportunity to get together.”

The day kicks off with the Shriner’s Pancake Breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Coastal Community Credit Union parking lot in downtown Parksville.

Next is the parade. Open to everyone with no entry fee, there are all kinds of groups participating every year, said Burden, adding that it’s his favourite part of Canada Day.

“I just love that whole sense of community that it provides,” he said.

The parade starts at Pioneer Crescent, moves up Shelly Road to Island Highway East, then along the highway to Craig Street. Then it’s up Craig to finish at the Parksville Community and Conference Centre.

Burden expects the parade to be a little larger this year.

The rest of the activities take place at the Parksville Community Park. Please note that there will be no parking available at the park except for some space for those with mobility challenges, said Burden.

Opening ceremonies and the cake-cutting take place at about noon. Following that are seven bands performing from 12:45 p.m. to 11:10 p.m.

Compared to previous years, the committee decided to go with more local performers, said Burden, “so that we could celebrate what’s great about Canada here.”

For a story on the headliner, The Boom Booms, check out the Arts and Life section.

There will be food trucks on site, artisan booths and various inflatable rides and other games.

The annual Thrifty Foods Fireworks Spectacular takes place from a barge in the bay beginning at 10:15 p.m. said Burden.

Though Burden said the event is much the same as in previous years, he hinted there is a theme running throughout the day about what it means for Canada to be 150 years old. He said he didn’t want to give away what that is, so keep your eyes open for it.