In honour of our country's 150th anniversary, the Town of Olds is planning a parade along with a more extravagant fireworks display for this year's Canada Day celebrations "Communities love parades, so the committee thought this would be a great oppo
In honour of our country's 150th anniversary, the Town of Olds is planning a parade along with a more extravagant fireworks display for this year's Canada Day celebrations
"Communities love parades, so the committee thought this would be a great opportunity to have a parade within our own town," said Heather Dixon, community facilitator for the Town of Olds.
The theme of the parade is "Celebrating Canada Through the Years" and will include floats from different time periods, as well as awards for the best entries. Dixon said anyone is welcome to participate and that they can register through the town's website.
"There is a hum in the community about people wanting to be involved," she said, "so that's great."
In addition to the parade, which will begin at Centennial Park at 11 a.m., the day will feature live local entertainment, kicked off by singing the national anthem.
The lineup of performers includes Kelly Kalden from Didsbury who will have a selection of music just for the kids, followed by the Olds House Band with a Canadian lineup. Dixon said the entertainment will happen at the same time as other family activities.
"It's a real entertainment hub," she said. "There's stuff happening all over the park – it's quite a lot of fun."
Concurrently, people can hop over to the Evergreen Centre to check out the Canadian Images Art Show or take in a Mary Hays play See Olds First, a series of stories about the early days of Olds.
In the evening a free barbecue will be served up at the Olds Regional Exhibition grounds, followed by a free family movie night. The feature film is yet to be determined, but in the running are: Sing, Moana, and Trolls. There will be chairs and bleachers set up, and popcorn available.
The festivities will end with a fireworks display, which people can watch from the Olds High School football field, south of the Community Learning Campus.
"I would like to say that I think our celebration is going to be great, and I hope that people will stay in our own community to celebrate," said Dixon. "Our committee has done a lot of work on this and they are really excited to share some of their ideas, and things they were passionate about, so that people can enjoy Canada 150."
"It's a great opportunity to stay in our own community and celebrate together," said Dixon, "and build relationships, and enjoy relationships we already have while celebrating a great anniversary."
Volunteers are still needed for the day, to help with the parade, entertainment and fireworks. Contact Heather Dixon at the town office by calling 403-556-6981.
10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Canadian Images Art Show with live local entertainment (Evergreen Centre)
11 a.m.
Parade: Celebrating Canada Through the Years (begins at Centennial Park)
12:25 p.m.
Singing of O Canada (Centennial Park Entertainment Stage)
12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Family Fun Activities (Centennial Park) – Bouncy houses, face painting, entertainment, family fun games, cupcakes and popcorn, kids' craft booth, storytelling with Mary Hays.
4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Free family BBQ (Olds Regional Exhibition Cow Palace)
7:30 p.m.
Free family movie (Olds Regional Exhibition Cow Palace)
11 p.m.
Fireworks (south of Olds High School)
