City set to celebrate 156 as Canada Day takes centre stage on Saturday
By Timothy Schafer Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The city is turning red and white next Saturday as the annual Canada Day celebration is coming together with the 156th birthday of the country on tap.
And the scene of the community-wide celebration is Rotary Lakeside Park, an annual event hosted by the Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce on July 1.
According to the latest chamber newsletter, “most of the day-long activities and musical entertainment will take place at Rotary Lakeside Park, however, the day will again kick off with the Lion’s Club pancake breakfast on Baker Street in downtown Nelson.”
According to the chamber, the pancake breakfast is a tradition dating back more than 50 years, with the exception of pandemic restricted times.
The Canada Day regional celebration is an annual event that has been supported by Celebrate Canada, The City of Nelson, RDCK electoral areas E and F, and several community minded business sponsors.
“The event has been organized and produced the Nelson and District Chamber of Commerce for more than 25 years,” noted the newsletter.
The free, 12-hour day gets underway at 10:30 a.m. with opening ceremonies featuring the Nelson Police Department, RCMP, Nelson Fire Rescue firefighters and local dignitaries.
There will be entertainment throughout the day following the opening ceremonies until10 p.m. in the evening.
As well, there will be numerous non-profits, community organizations and indigenous representation to provide cultural-based activities. Rotarians will feature the annual barbeque from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Rotary shelter.
Throughout the day, beginning at 9 a.m. sharp, Nelson Electric Tramway, celebrating its 31st year, is hosting free rides to the public.
There is also an open house at the Tramway facility for the public, right up until the last ride at 9 p.m.
Volunteers will be manning both the Nelson's Streetcar 23 as well as answering questions facility.
The free rides are sponsored by the Nelson and District Credit Union.
And, of course, the day concludes with fireworks at the soccer fields in Lakeside Park.
