CANADA DAY – Fireworks, Art in the Park to highlight July 1 celebration

Civic events have been set for the annual Canada Day celebration at Riverside Park.

July 1 in the park will start with the Lions Club pancake breakfast from 7 to 10:30 a.m. The main event will kick off at the Rotary Bandshell at 10:45 a.m., starting with the multicultural flag parade, followed by Drum Canada at 11 a.m., and then the opening ceremony from 11:10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Residents can spend the day wandering through the park, discovering local artisans, enjoying multicultural food, cooling off in the beer garden, and taking in a wide range of performances.

The day will be capped off with the return of a fireworks show at dusk (weather pending). For the best view, attendees are encouraged to watch the fireworks from the Rivers Trail in Riverside Park.

Art in the Park will be located at the west end of the park near the Rose Garden. Music and dance performances can be enjoyed on various stages throughout the park. At the east end of the park, kids can play on the inflatables in the Kids’ Fun Zone, and attendees will find a variety of community booths and food trucks.

An online interactive map of the park outlines Art in the Park artisans, Multicultural Society booths, community vendors, beer garden, and entertainment.

Attendees are encouraged to help reduce landfill waste by bringing a water bottle and a tote bag for collecting swag and purchases from community booths and Art in the Park vendors.

Park guests are reminded that construction for the Riverside Park outdoor skating facility is in progress, and to be safe and keep clear of the construction areas.

BC Transit is offering free transit on July 1, operating with Saturday-level service. Alternatively, attendees should consider carpooling or using alternative transportation and leaving their bike or e-scooter with the Kamloops Bike Valet, which will be available at the tennis courts, near the west end of the park.

The Kamloops Arts Council and the Kamloops Multicultural Society have organized the Canada Day festivities and BCLC sponsors the main stage entertainment.