The Municipality of Port Hope is gearing up for its Canada Day celebrations this weekend, with events taking place throughout the community, beginning Saturday, June 29, through to Monday, July 1.
“We do Canada Day big here in Port Hope, with activities and events scheduled all weekend long, and throughout the community,” noted Bob Sanderson, Mayor of the Municipality of Port Hope. “Together with our community partners, we’re hosting an impressive homegrown festival of music, food, culture, and all of the favourite Canada Day traditions, including our parade and evening fireworks display. We’re looking forward to a busy weekend ahead.”
Patrons can expect to see a few new activities at the celebration this year, including the addition of a climbing wall, an escape room, wildlife presentations and a pancake breakfast in the park. As well, Northumberland County has planned their annual Multicultural Day in Memorial Park, which will take place on Saturday, June 29, and will kick-start the weekend of events.
Highlights of the 2019 Port Hope Canada Day celebrations include:
Saturday, June 29
• 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. The 5th Annual Multicultural Festival hosted by Northumberland County: A free, family friendly, multicultural experience that will be a colourful day of music, cultural performances and an ethno food truck fair. Free Admission
• 3 p.m. – 11 p.m. The Port Hope & District Agricultural Society and Trucks of Ontario are hosting a Truck Pull, Show and Dyno at the Town Agricultural Park (62 McCaul St). Hundreds of trucks will be on display. Admission $5.00; 12 and under are free. Gates open at 3 p.m. and the Truck Pull begins at 7 p.m.
Sunday, July 30
• Dusk: The Canada Day edition of ‘Movies in the Park’ will feature cult classic The Princess Bride. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and join us under the stars at Memorial Park for this family friendly experience. Free Admission. (Sponsored by Esco Ltd).
Monday, July 1
• 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Canada Day Show N’ Shine car show, featuring antiques, classics and custom vehicles.
• 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Pancake Breakfast (in partnership with the Port Hope Police Association).
• 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Yoga in the Park. A guided stretch-out hosted by Spraoi Yoga.
• 11:00 a.m. Canada Day Parade begins (Walton Street to Queen Street).
• 11:00 a.m. Refreshment Gardens Open in Memorial Park, hosted by the Rotary Club of Port Hope.
• 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Interactive activity stations for kids open.
• 11:45 a.m. Official opening ceremony at the Bandshell.
• 12:00 p.m. – 3 p.m. Wagon rides through historic downtown Port Hope (sponsored by Scotia Bank).
Entertainment in Memorial Park
• 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Joe Harvey Band
• 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Garage Dog
• 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Soper Creek Wildlife Presentation
• 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The Quickshifters
• 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Storm the Palace
Grand Finale
• 10:15 p.m.: Spectacular fireworks display at the East Beach pier* (sponsored by the Carpenters Union Local 397).
*Residents are advised that sections of the waterfront will have restricted access due to the damage from high water levels of Lake Ontario. Event attendees are asked to comply with these closures. The fireworks display will not be impacted; however portions of the beach, waterfront trail and the boat launch area are currently closed.
Our partners and sponsors play a key role in uniting our community for shared and engaging experiences on Canada Day. Many generous supporters have come forward to help in the delivery of this community celebration. To view the list of sponsors and for the full event schedule, visit porthope.ca/canada-day.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
