Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
Canada Day falls on Sunday this year, so some times may change from the usual for Cobourg’s municipal celebrations – but there will still be lots of music, activities and fun for the whole family in Victoria Park.
The official kick-off is 10 a.m., with a Teddy Bear Picnic, Build With Home Depot event and the Cobourg Escape Room all set up in the northern area of the park.
The Canada Day parade will start a little later than usual in consideration of church services. Beginning at 1 p.m., the procession will showcase a variety of floats designed around the theme This Is Why We Love Canada. It will begin at the five corners by the Cobourg Public Libary and proceed east along King Street, ending up at Church Street.
From there, it’s just a short hop to Victoria Park for the 2 p.m. opening ceremonies at the bandshell. It’s a time for welcoming remarks from Mayor Gil Brocanier, council members, sponsors and, of course, the local MP and MPP. Magician David Johnson will entertain, and there will be cupcakes.
Entertainment follows, with three acts to enjoy – Sawmill Road at 3:30 p.m., Green River Revival (a Creedence Clearwater Revival tribute band) at 5 p.m., and Beach Party Boys at 7:30 p.m.
And of course, the traditional fireworks provide a spectacular show at 10 p.m. at the harbourfront.
July 1 also falls on the second day of the giant three-day Waterfront Festival this year,
From Saturday through Monday, a free shuttle bus is offered to help with the parking difficulties one might otherwise experience, with pick-up points at Northumberland Mall, Cobourg Community Centre and Donegan Park. Drop-offs will be made at Paul Currelly Way (near the new location for this year’s Midway), the Albert Street bus shelter and at the marina. Signs will be at each location to mark boarding and drop-off points.
The bus will operate from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday, and 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday.
A detailed schedule and more information on Cobourg’s Canada Day activities can be found at www.cobourg.ca (click on the Canada Day button) and www.cobourgtourism.ca.
For more information on the Waterfront Festival and entertainment at the bandshell, visit www.waterfrontfestival.ca.