Canada Day is approaching and Brockville is hosting tons of activities for you to take part in all day long. From the opening ceremonies and cake cutting all the way to the fireworks after dark, there is non-stop fun for you and your family. We have assembled a time line below based on different participating areas in town. Think we missed something? Be sure to let us know!
UPDATE: “A decision was made to postpone the fireworks from Saturday night at 10:00 p.m. to Sunday night at 10:00 p.m. due the weather forecast. We have no choice as the fireworks staff need at least 8 hours to prepare and unable to work on the barge when there is lightening.”
Update for access to Blockhouse Island on Saturday and Sunday:
The Regatta organizers will be honouring the 8pm free public admission to Blockhouse on Saturday to allow the public to take part in the local Canada 150 celebration and hear local bands.
However – on Sunday night for the 10pm fireworks viewing, the public will not have free admittance to Blockhouse as it would be unfair to their ticket holders who have purchased tickets to the show. Instead, Centeen Park will be open to the public from 7pm on, and Hardy Park also offers a great view of the fireworks.
Parade, Ceremonies and Cake Cutting:
11:45am The Canada Day “March-up” from City Hall to Court House Green with the Mayor, MPP, MP, Rifles Commander, Police & Fire Chiefs, Councillors, Legion Colour Guard, Re-enactors, Pipe Band. Dress in Red & White
12:00 (approx.) Singing of O Canada followed by brief speeches from the Mayor, MPP, MP, Commanding Officer + presentation of 4 plaques recognizing 4 citizens of Brockville.
Officials retire – serve cake and cupcakes
Well-known local singer and entertainer A.J. Benoit & pianist Mary Ross-Comstock will perform a half hour Canada Day 150 show featuring many popular Canadian songs!
Visit the Aquatarium on Canada Day with $10.50 admission
StrawBEARy Festival aka Teddy Bear Picnic in Hardy Park:
10am-6pm Craft & Vendor Village with barbecue, strawberry smoothies, fresh lemonade and strawberry shortcake
11am-4pm Teddy Bear Hospital & Adoption, face painting, kids crafts
11am-4pm Free Carnival Games & Prizes. Dress up as your favourite hero, prince/princess, fairy, rock star, Disney character or ‘Canada Day Theme’ and visit the 150th Anniversary photo booth
11:30am David Rowan
12:30pm Aline Daykin
1:30pm Wayne & Gael Bullard
2pm Cindy Smith
3pm Open Mic
3:30pm Pamela Anne Moffatt
4:15pm Children’s Songs & Dancing (at completion of teddy bear parade, followed by announcements/free draw prizes)
4:40pm Thrill Dancers
5pm Bourne to Rock
6:30pm Bordertowne Boys
8pm Bourne to Rock
1000 Islands Regatta (Blockhouse Island Parkway & Centeen Park):
10am Gates open
10:30am-4:30pm Hydroplane racing, kids zone and food vendors
5pm-11:30pm Canada 150 party with live bands including the Tony Silvestri Band with local Brockville bands opening including Brockville’s own The G-Men
($10 for a race pass for July 1 & 2; $30 for a full weekend pass including 54 40, Honeymoon Suite, Hydroplane Races, Canada 150 party)
8pm Public access opens to Blockhouse Island for Fireworks viewing (free of charge). Fireworks start at approx. 10pm
UPDATE: “A decision was made to postpone the fireworks from Saturday night at 10:00 p.m. to Sunday night at 10:00 p.m. due the weather forecast. We have no choice as the fireworks staff need at least 8 hours to prepare and unable to work on the barge when there is lightening.”
Update for access to Blockhouse Island on Saturday and Sunday:
The Regatta organizers will be honouring the 8pm free public admission to Blockhouse on Saturday to allow the public to take part in the local Canada 150 celebration and hear local bands.
However – on Sunday night for the 10pm fireworks viewing, the public will not have free admittance to Blockhouse as it would be unfair to their ticket holders who have purchased tickets to the show. Instead, Centeen Park will be open to the public from 7pm on, and Hardy Park also offers a great view of the fireworks.
Canada 150 Painted Canoe by Clayton Explores
10am-4pm (approx.) Stop by to see Clayton’s painted canoe on Water Street near the Tourism Office. A note from Clayton: “Over the past two years I have been paddling across Ontario and Southern Quebec and got to experience the most beautiful landscapes. What I hope to do with this project is to promote exploring Canada during this milestone year. I have a 16 foot Canoe that I will be painting with designs, symbols and iconic landscapes from across Canada. Once painted the Canoe will travel across Ontario on the Roof of my Mini stopping at various lakes and rivers where the canoe will be photographed and filmed. The canoe would also stop in city centres to promote exploring Canada. Later the footage will be put into a 5 Part short documentary video”
Fulford Place and Homewood Museum
10am-5pm: Mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation with free activities at Fulford Place and free admission to Homewood Museum.
Bring your family to Fulford Place for some good old-fashioned fun, from crafts to twisted balloons to historical games. Come early – the first 150 visitors will receive a free cupcake!
Homewood Museum in nearby Maitland, one of Ontario’s oldest houses, is also offering free admission on Canada Day. Get a glimpse of the life of Dr. Solomon Jones – a United Empire Loyalist and the area’s first physician – and discover the story behind the internationally known Red Fameuse apple. Highway 2 between Maitland and Prescott, locator #1372
Fireworks:
Fireworks after dusk (approx. 10pm) launched from a city barge located off-shore in front of the Rowing club area. Viewing from Centeen Park, Blockhouse Island, Hardy Park.
UPDATE: “A decision was made to postpone the fireworks from Saturday night at 10:00 p.m. to Sunday night at 10:00 p.m. due the weather forecast. We have no choice as the fireworks staff need at least 8 hours to prepare and unable to work on the barge when there is lightening.”
Update for access to Blockhouse Island on Saturday and Sunday:
The Regatta organizers will be honouring the 8pm free public admission to Blockhouse on Saturday to allow the public to take part in the local Canada 150 celebration and hear local bands.
However – on Sunday night for the 10pm fireworks viewing, the public will not have free admittance to Blockhouse as it would be unfair to their ticket holders who have purchased tickets to the show. Instead, Centeen Park will be open to the public from 7pm on, and Hardy Park also offers a great view of the fireworks.
Other Fireworks viewing options:
Canada Day Fireworks and Dinner Cruise – 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises
7:30-10:30pm (Adults $70)
www.1000islandscruises.com