staff reporter
Canada turns 145 years old this Sunday, and there will be plenty of festivities in both Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows for local residents who want to celebrate.
This year, the District of Maple Ridge will not only be celebrating Canada’s 145th birthday, but Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee, commemorating 60 years on the throne by Canada’s official head of state.
The party will be taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Memorial Peace Park downtown, with the official ceremonies beginning at 12:30 p.m. The event will include live entertainment, singing, dancing, activities, food and fun, continuing throughout the day.
The Haney Farmers’ Market will also be in full swing for Canada Day, with vendors located in the new South Park beside Memorial Peace Park.
• Haney House Museum will also be celebrating Canada Day and the Queen’s Jubilee this Sunday with a number of events for the whole family. Jubilee-themed activities include croquet, bean bag toss, face painting, dress-up clothes, arts and crafts, and prizes. The museum will also be offering tours of the historic house throughout the afternoon. Food and drinks are available upon donation.
The event runs from 1 to 4 p.m.
• In Pitt Meadows, the Canada Day celebration kicks off at 8 a.m. at Pitt Meadows Spirit Square with the Lions Club pancake breakfast. Athletes In Kind will be holding their annual Canada Day 8km run at 9 a.m., with a 1km and 2km kids race at 8:30 a.m.
The official Canada Day ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. after the race wraps up, and features live music, African dancers, children’s activities, cake, and a bike rodeo.
Langley
Across the Fraser River in Langley the Fort Langley National Historic Site is holding a citizenship ceremony at 10 a.m. with a Happy 145th Birthday Cake at noon. Watch an historic weapons demonstration at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. and then spend the day enjoying multicultural music, and family activities. Free admission. For full schedule visit www.pc.gc.ca/fortlangley. For more information, call
604-513-4777 or email fort.langley@pc.gc.ca.