Organizers Hoping For Biggest and Best Barrhaven Canada Day To Date
Canada Day in Barrhaven is back, and according to organizers, it looks like it will be bigger and better than ever.
“All of the events we have done this year have drawn larger crowds than expected,” said Darrell Bartraw, who chairs the Canada Day organizing committee. “It’s the first year that we are truly back after the pandemic with no restrictions. People are excited about local events. They just want to get out.”
This year’s Canada Day celebration in Barrhaven will be a four-day event. The midway will run from Thurs., June 28 to Sun., July 2.
“This is the 41st edition of Barrhaven’s Canada Day celebration,” Bartraw added. “Each year we try to out do the previous year.”
The midway will be open on Thursday and Friday June 29-30 in the evenings. On Friday night, it’s time to put on the western boots and hats for Country Music Night. Four local bands will be on the stage to entertain country music fans.
“This year we are building a giant Muskoka chair for photos, a new Vendors Village with over 20 vendors, and our midway operator tells us they will have some new rides,” said Bartraw.
Twelve local food trucks will be on site throughout the Canada Day four-day event.
Saturday is Canada Day, and there is a full day of activities planned, beginning with a pancake and sausage breakfast that will be free for seniors. The midway will be running throughout the day. At 11 a.m., the Kids Zone opens up and there will be performers on the multi-cultural stage throughout the day.
At 4 p.m., the Canada Day ceremonies begin with birthday cake for all from the Barrhaven Lions Club, followed by remarks from local dignitaries.
“We are going to have a very special guest in addition to the local politicians,” Bartraw said.
Bartraw said that after the ceremonies, the real party begins.
“We will have a wonderful Indigenous display of song and dance, and then the music of Monkey Rock Music for kids of all ages,” he said. “Next is a local band called Starfire and our headliner band out of Montreal is called Star 80. All this is followed by an absolutely amazing fireworks display at 10 p.m. We have the same company that has done the fireworks on Parliament Hill for a number of years.”
On Sunday, the midway continues, and there will be a classic car and truck show from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Discounted ride tickets can be purchased from the customer service counter of McDonough’s Your Independent Grocer.
Bartraw also said the best way for people to get to Clarke Fields for the Canada Day festivities on July 1 was to take the shuttle bus from McDonough’s Your Independent Grocer. He said the cost is $2 per person or $5 per family.
“It will be very busy and crowded in that area during Canada Day, and the bus is the best way to get people in out of there quickly and safely,” Bartraw said. “With McDonough’s and most of Barrhaven Town Centre closed for the day, there is a lot of parking available there to take the shuttle. It has been a very efficient system for many years, and we strongly suggest that people take advantage of it.”
For more information on Canada Day and for the full schedule, visit barrhavenindependent.ca or the Barrhaven Canada Day Facebook page. You can also win ride coupons and food tickets from our media sponsor Move 100 and Pure Country. Watch for other chances to win ride coupons on the Barrhaven Canada Day Facebook page.
Featured Image – The Barrhaven Canada Day committee was busy last week putting up signage, including this sign on Jockvale Road, for the four-day event.
