If you make the effort to come to Canada Day celebrations this Friday, there’s going to be more than just celebrating the nation’s birthday involved.
If you’re into yoga, Zumba, boxing or pony rides, there will be something for you in downtown Maple Ridge.
If you want to check out crafts, mini-golf, vintage cars or live music, that too will be on display at Memorial Peace Park, where all the action starts at 10 a.m. and goes until 3 p.m.
Hip-hop dance and crafts and painting will be in the Arts Centre Theatre, while youth services provide a skateboard demonstration in the park and floor hockey in the Greg Moore Youth Centre.
You can also grab some items from the Haney Farmer’s Market and the Downtown Maple Ridge Business Improvement Summer Market.
And if you want to stick around for the real reason of the day, that will take place at 12:30 p.m., when Margaret Kury leads the formal ceremony and introduces Jada McKenzie Moore, who will sing O Canada.
After all the formalities are over, sit back and listen to Bad Moon Risin’ – a tribute to the 1970s band Creedence Clearwater Revival – which takes to the main stage at 1:30 p.m.
Once the day is done, the countdown will begin for Canada’s 150 celebration in July 2017, marking 150 years of Confederation since 1867. Organizer Dave Speers said putting on the day is a team effort with companies and groups all pitching in. Heritage Canada helps out with the costs by contributing $6,000 while the City of Maple Ridge dcnates $4,300.
If you have an idea for celebrating the country’s 150th, the federal government may be able to help.
Applications are still being accepted for the Canada 150 Fund.