Donalda, Stettler, Big Valley and Delburne are among the central Alberta communities planning to celebrate Canada Day with festivities this Monday, July 1.
Donalda
After the community commemorates the Donalda School centennial from Friday through Sunday, Donalda’s focus shifts to Canada’s 146th birthday on July 1.
“Most of the (Canada Day) activities will be held at Lamp Park,” said Darlene Tantrum of Donalda Community Promotions.
Festivities begin with a pancake breakfast at Sharon Lutheran Church from 8 to 10:30 a.m.
Colourful floats and entries are expected to headline the parade downtown at 11 a.m.
The Donalda Light Riders Drill Team will kick off entertainment that runs from 2 to 4 p.m.
Entertainment includes Bashaw Sunshine Cloggers and a country market at the Donalda Community Hall.
The lunch will be served by Donalda School parent council.
Children’s fun will include bounce house, coin, pit and tattoos.
Steak supper is on the menu at 6 p.m., with a live auction at 8 p.m., while the day ends with fireworks.
Big Valley
Fun for the entire family and student art are featured in the Canada Day festivities in Big Valley.
Art from grades 3 and 4 students will be on display at Big Valley train station after 1 p.m.
“Each year, we try to use a theme or two that reflects something about Canada, and our accomplishments as a nation or our people,” said Linda Stillinger.
“This year, we have two themes — one will be the community and the other will be music made in Canada.”
Face-painting and a boxcar will also be open, with a display of historic photos.
The steam train is set to arrive at 1 p.m., with ceremonies slated for 2:15 p.m.
For the evening, a barbecue and children’s games are scheduled for the ball diamond from 5:30 to 7 p.m., followed by the popular evening fireworks.
Stettler
Canada Day events at West Stettler Park feature music by local band Loose Change, beginning at 8 p.m.
Birthday cake and fireworks are also set for the evening, which concludes with fireworks after 10 p.m.
Delburne
Delburne has at least 100 reasons to celebrate its centennial party, which runs from Saturday through Monday.
Canada Day events include a breakfast, centennial parade, ball games, beer gardens, a tractor pull, children’s activities, gymkhana events and a vintage machinery display.
It’s a jam-packed weekend in Delburne, with school tours, meals, markets, sports and dances on tap for a homecoming weekend in the community.