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Maffeo Sutton Park will be filled with festivities for Canada Day

Music, roving entertainers, food, cultural entertainment happening Friday, July 1
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Amanda Daly, left, Adam Smith, Susan Urban, Flora Starr, Chloe Collins, Sophie Johnston, Finley Johnston, Casey Daly and Harper Daly are ready to party at Maffeo Sutton Park on Canada’s birthday, July 1. The City of Nanaimo is hosting a celebration of food, activities and live entertainment for the whole family. (Chris Bush/News Bulletin)

Canada Day festivities are back in Maffeo Sutton Park this week with music and other entertainment and a big cake celebrating Canada’s confederation and the first public gathering for the country’s birthday since 2019.

The action happens 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, July 1, when the main stage features a celebration of flags followed with performances by the Midnights, Mark Crissinger, Dave Hart and Doctors of Rock ‘N Roll.

The Doctors of Rock ‘N Roll, in a press release, previewed that they will take the stage at 2:45 p.m. and will cover Canadian artists such as Bryan Adams, Trooper, Neil Young and the Stampeders. The Canada Day musical performances start at 11:40 a.m. with the Midnights. As an outdoor event, attendees are encouraged to bring their own blankets, lawn chairs and dancing shoes.

Highlights on the cultural community stage include performances from Vancouver Island Square Dancers, Nanaimo Ballroom Dance Society, Flamenco Dancers, Nanaimo Scottish Country Dancers and Vibe Dance Studio.

Roving entertainers, complimentary bouncy castles, crafts, interactive community booths and face painting, plus a variety of food vendors make up some of the fun family activities throughout the day, and a free water fill station, courtesy of Coastal Water, will help everyone stay hydrated.

Columbia Bakery is, once again, baking and decorating a gigantic and delicious birthday cake for the community, a service the family-owned business has offered for Nanaimo’s many years of Canada Day celebrations.

Nanaimo Astronomy is bringing solar telescopes so that people can look at the sun safely.

Residents are reminded there will be no vehicle parking – except for limited accessible parking – available on-site at Maffeo Sutton Park on Canada Day, but a free bike valet parking service will be available 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. where bikes will be held in a secure location close to the park. The city has also partnered with the Regional District of Nanaimo to offer free shuttle services to the event from Woodgrove Centre and Vancouver Island University.

“After two years, it is exciting to have our Canada Day celebrations back at Maffeo Sutton Park,” said Nanaimo Mayor Leonard Krog, in a city press release.



photos@nanaimobulletin.com

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