The City of Nanaimo is inviting families to head down to Maffeo Sutton Park to celebrate Canada Day.
The city is hosting activities at the waterfront Nanaimo park on Monday, July 1, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., free for all. Events kick off with a celebration of flags and opening ceremony at 11 a.m. at the main stage, followed by performances by the Moonshine Mollys at 11:45 a.m., the Kiltlifters at 1 p.m. and the Pickups at 2:15 p.m.
The cultural community stage will feature acts beginning with the Acclaim Celtic Dancers at 12:15 p.m., Vancouver Island Bhangra at 12:30 p.m., Latin dancers at 12:45 p.m., Chinese Taiji and Dance Club at 1:15 p.m., Nanaimo Ballroom Dance Society at 1:30 p.m., Nanaimo Scottish Country Dancers at 2 p.m., Flowers of Nanaimo Chinese Dancers at 2:15 p.m., flamenco dance at 2:45 p.m. and Vibe Dance Studio at 3 p.m.
Fare from food trucks will be available and there will be face-painting, bouncy castles and photo and interactive booths. The Order of the Eastern Star will have cupcakes on a first-come, first-served basis.
The city also reminds attendees that parking will not be available at Maffeo Sutton Park on Canada Day, and while there is free parking available nearby, there are other transportation options as well. People who ride their bikes will be offered secure bike valet service courtesy Hub City Cycles at the park from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Free transit will be offered throughout the day, with shuttle buses departing Woodgrove Centre beginning at 10 a.m. with the last bus departing the park at 4:52 p.m. Shuttle buses will depart South Parkway Plaza beginning at 10:36 a.m. while the last bus leaves the park at 4:28 p.m.
For more information, go to the events section on the city website at www.nanaimo.ca.