Canada Day In Barrhaven Is Back

By Charlie Senack, Barhaven Independent

Canada Day in Barrhaven is back after a two year hiatus because of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The annual midway will take place from June 30 until July 3, with the bulk of the festivities on July 1. Canada Day in Barrhaven President Darrell Bartraw says they will finally get to celebrate their 40th anniversary of the event. 

“We are so excited that after a two-year absence and people not being able to get out to large events, that we are able  to bring the amazing residents of Barrhaven a wonderful event for all ages to attend in person,” he said. “Plan to spend the whole day at Clarke Event Fields at 93 Houlahan starting at 8:00am with a Free Seniors breakfast and a Family breakfast for a nominal fee.”

After the breakfasts, celebrations will get underway with the Multicultural stage starting acts at 9:30 am. It will feature local performers from around the world. The Kidz Zone will open  at 11:00 am, where there will be many free activities for the younger crowd to enjoy, including puppet and magic shows. 

The brand-new Midway provider will open on Thursday June 29th at noon and run until July 3. Details on timings and ticket sales can be found on the Canada Day in Barrhaven website. 

“This year we have booked 11 food trucks including food such as burgers, sausage, poutine, Chinese, shawarmas, lemon aid, coffee, mini donuts, frosted drinks, beavertails, ice cream and smoked food,” said Bartraw. “Our main stage ceremony starting at 4:00pm will include a parade of flags, an Indigenous blessing and land acknowledgement, followed by the singing of our national anthem in three languages.  After this the Lions Club will have free birthday cake for everyone to enjoy.”

The night’s entertainment begins at 4:20 pm with Indigenous song and dance. That will be followed by “Monkey Rock Music”, “The Rockphiles”, and headliner “Alter Ego.”  The night will end with a large firework display at 10:00 pm. 

Canada Day in Barrhaven had to be cancelled in both 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Late last summer, a midway was able to pack Clarke Fields for the first time in over two years. Canada Day had to be celebrated differently in Barrhaven with classic car shows being held for the local seniors residences for the last two years. 

Bartraw said he’s excited to bring Brrhaven’s largest event back and is looking for ongoing support from the community to ensure its success for generations to come. 

“If you want to help make this the best event of the year, please support us by taking part in our Red Maple Leaf Campaign by making a small $5.00 donation at participating Barrhaven businesses,” he said. “You will be given a Red Maple Leaf to put your name on and display on your window at home.  Bring this Red Maple Leaf to the Kids Zone Prize tent on Canada Day to receive a small prize. You can also support the event by making a donation on our Go Fund Me page.”