Canada Day next Wednesday (July 1) offers a variety of events across the Highlands, with most of the action in Minden Hills and Highlands East and a sprinkling in Algonquin Highlands.
The nation’s birthday gets underway early in the County. In Minden, families register for the popular fishing derby at 7:30 a.m. They then line the Gull River with rods and pails for the three-hour catch-all. The event is for kids 14 and under, who must wear a life jacket. The last call for weigh-in is 11 a.m. with lots of prizes on offer for the young anglers.
There’s always plenty going on downtown. After the derby, Water and Milne streets are filled with vendors until about 2 p.m. with food booths from Minden Rotary, the Minden and District Lions Club, Mulligans and The Lemon Bar. The classic car show will also see vintage rides along Water Street from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The opening ceremony is at 10:15 a.m. followed by a cupcake giveaway at the community services tent while supplies last and the popular rubber duck race, hosted by the Minden Agricultural Society.
There are a number of events at the Minden Hills Cultural Centre, too. People can tour the Museum & Heritage Village, Nature’s Place, and the Agnes Jamieson Gallery.
An interesting add-on this year is the Conundrum installation. The Conundrum, created by artist David Hynes, is a unique musical instrument – a combination 13-foot canoe and drum that has gained international attention.
There will be air bounce inflatables; face painting by Pockets and an ice cream giveaway sponsored by Kawartha Dairy, while supplies last.
The arena will see a magic show, featuring Ray the Cool Magician; at 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. while a bouncy castle and other equipment will be available in the gymnasium.
In the evening, Nick and Benton will play in the bandshell from 7:30-9:30 p.m.; there’ll be a food booth; and a fireworks show put on by SuperNova.
Water Street, from Bobcaygeon Road to St. Germaine Street; Prince Street from St. Germaine Street to Water Street; and Milne Street from Newcastle Street to Prince Street will be closed from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Highlands East
Festivities kick off at the Cardiff Legion at 9 a.m. for The Royal Canadian Legion’s pancake breakfast – adults $5.
In Highland Grove, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Kidd School House Museum, there will be children’s crafts, local entertainment, horseshoes, BBQ and fire truck on display.
The flag-raising ceremony is at 11:30 a.m. at the Red Cross Outpost Museum in Wilberforce, with live entertainment followed by sandwiches and cupcakes. From noon to 1 p.m. people can check out the food bank. There will be games at the curling club, the 50/50 winner announced and live music featuring Phil O’Reilly.
Things wind down in Gooderham, at the community centre. There will be children’s activities, including a chance to interact with fire trucks, hoses and gear; plus, cake, BBQ and live entertainment featuring Ragged Company. Fireworks start at dusk.
Algonquin Highlands
The annual celebration will take place at the Oxtongue Lake Community Centre from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and includes a BBQ and open house at Algonquin Highlands Fires Services Station 70, the book launch of Oxtongue Inspires: Through the Lens of Local Artists from Algonquin to Lake of Bays, games, face-painting, and more.
