Live performances, sweet and savoury treats and family friendly activities will return to Market Square this Canada Day.
“This celebration will be similar to what we hosted in Market Square in 2019,” said Brad Hernden, manager of recreation and marketing with the City of Stratford.
On July 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., live performances will take place from Festival Brass, soul and pop musician Lea Keeley, Indigenous folk band Okama, Upside of Maybe and The Bookends.
Stratford and District Saddle Club is organizing a parade made up of 50 floats. Martin Ritsma, president of the club, said the parade will be following a new route due to ongoing construction on Huron Street. The new route will follow Lakeside Drive, Waterloo Street, Mornington Street and McCarthy Road before reaching the Stratford Rotary Complex.
“We are coming out of COVID-19 and the public has said that they would love to have a parade. It is a celebration that everybody can be involved in. Not only does the public want it but I believe the city of Stratford needs this,” said Ritsma.
Other family friendly activities including a photo booth and balloon art made by Mister Twister. Local food trucks will be on site including Ken’s French Fries, Beavertails, My Big Fat Food Truck and Simple Dreams.
For those looking for a way to cool off, Lions Pool is hosting a free Canada Day public swim from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The Kinsmen club will host a fireworks shows at the Stratford Education and Recreation Complex starting at 8 p.m.
The celebration will take place rain or shine. Those attending are encouraged to wear red and white in support of Canada Day, blue and yellow in support of Ukraine, orange as a symbol for Truth and Reconciliation or rainbow colours to celebrate LGBTQ2S+ peoples.
“We are really happy to get to celebrate this beautiful country we live in,” said Ritsma.
Those interested in volunteering with the parade can contact Ritsma at [email protected] or by text at 519-276-9659.
