Celebrating Canada Day in Dufferin-Caledon

With Canada’s 152nd birthday around the corner, we have much to celebrate. Canada Day is a time to appreciate our great nation, its rights and freedoms, and all the opportunities we have to make a life for our families. Canada Day is also a time to come together as a community and to explore Dufferin-Caledon with family and friends.

I intend to be enjoying the day with my family attending many Canada Day activities in Dufferin-Caledon and hope you have an opportunity to do the same. No matter where you are or what your interests are, there are numerous opportunities to get out and celebrate with your family and friends.

This year the celebrations begin on Saturday June 29th in Grand Valley with a Lion’s Club soapbox derby on Mill Street from 10 am until noon, as well as a classic cars show in the downtown core. A fireworks display is planned for Saturday evening at the Grand Valley ball diamond.

Also on Saturday at Brampton Fairgrounds, the 4th annual Canada Day Mela and Truck Show kicks off at noon until 10 pm. At 6 pm, join in as a Guinness World Record is attempted for the largest human maple leaf.

On July 1st, Downey’s Farm is hosting their Canada Day Strawberry Festival from 9 am to 4 pm. The day of celebration includes entertainment from local groups including Bob’s Banjo Band, Team K-9’s Dog Show and the Dick Joiner Magic Show. Stop by in the morning for Downey’s famous pancake breakfast topped with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. During the day you can pick your own strawberries and explore the grounds of Downey’s Farm.

The 31st Caledon Canada Day Strawberry Festival at Caledon Fairgrounds is also offering an all-day strawberry breakfast, free birthday cake and strawberry desserts. This event has something for everyone, including a car show, a barbeque and a village craft show from 8 am to 4 pm.

In Orangeville, Canada Day activities begin at the Alder Street Arena at 12 pm until 5 pm, with a range of options for the entire family. Choose from free family swims, face painting and bouncy castles, as well as a performance by the Campfire Poets at the Island Lake Amphitheatre from 6:30-9 pm.

The Orangeville Legion is also hosting a Canada Day celebration that pays tribute to past and current serving Canadian Forces members. I am grateful for the support that the Royal Canadian Legion provides to our veterans, veteran’s families and community and look forward to attending their ceremony, which is open to the entire community.

In Shelburne, Canada Day Celebrations will begin at 4 pm until midnight. Visitors can enjoy a variety of food, bouncy castles, face painting, and at 6 pm live bands will entertain the crowd for the rest of the evening.

At the Albion Hills Conservation Area, the festivities begin at 6 pm and finish at 10:30 pm. There is lots of family fun planned with music, tractor rides, archery lessons, swimming and wood carving demonstrations.

If you’re looking for local fireworks displays, visit Albion Hills Conservation Area in Caledon, Island Lake Conservation Area in Orangeville, or Fiddle Park in Shelburne. The firework shows are all set for 10 pm.

Across Ontario, our government is providing free admission for the first 500 visitors at 10 Ontario locations. This will benefit thousands of people across Ontario. Free admission for the first 500 visitors will be provided at:

  • The Butterfly Conservatory – Niagara Parks Commission in Niagara
  • Cinesphere – Ontario Place in Toronto
  • Fort William Historical Park in Thunder Bay
  • Huronia Historical Parks in Midland and Penetanguishene
  • McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Vaughan
  • Ontario Science Centre in Toronto
  • Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto
  • Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington
  • Science North in Sudbury
  • Lawrence Parks Commission in the St. Lawrence Region

As you celebrate with your family and friends this Canada Day weekend, please be mindful of your safety and plan ahead. You can expect higher than normal volume of traffic, which will require your full attention and patience on the road. Take your time, stay calm, and don’t allow other drivers to affect your judgment. Your actions will ensure everyone has a safe holiday. There are many front-line staff in corrections, policing, EMS and hospitals who are working to keep us safe, so please be careful while you travel.

Canada Day activities cannot happen without the support of numerous volunteers. When you join in the fun at these community events, don’t forget to thank them! No matter your plans, please stay safe during the Canada Day weekend. I wish everyone a Happy Canada Day!

If you have any questions about Canada Day in Dufferin-Caledon, please call my office at 1-800-265-1603 or visit my website at www.sylviajonesmpp.ca.

-30-