It’s almost Canada Day. And that means there is plenty to celebrate around the Cowichan Valley.
From traditional cake cuttings, to garage sales and loads of performers, there is something for everyone celebrating the nation’s 144th birthday.
Locally there are events planned in Ladysmith and Chemainus.
In Ladysmith, most of the Canadian action will be taking place at Transfer Beach between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.
There will be lifeguards on the beach, the summer daycamp staff will be leading kids activities and games, there will, of course, be a giant flag cake and great live entertainment on stage.
Transfer Beach events
Stz’uminus First Nation and
event opening at 1 p.m.
For the Birds – female vocal trio
Elf Song – Sandy Jasper and Friends
O’ Canada & Cake (mid-afternoon)
Stz’uminus First Nation Dance
Lena Birtwhistle – Ladysmith favourite
Kings Without – well-known local band
In Chemainus, The Historical Society and museum are in charge of celebrating Canada every July 1.
Norma Greer at the museum, said Chemainus has always done something to celebrate Canada, but the museum started their cake cutting tradition and serving iced tea since they opened in 1991.
And, said Greer, you just never know what will happen.
Last year, the Canada Day crowd witnessed a special treat when a tenor who was in Chemainus as part of a tour-bus crowd, came out to sing O’Canada.
“He came out and he led the song. It was fantastic.”
For the last few years, the museum has been incorporating an event into Canada Day.
This year they are having a giant garage/quilt sale along with the usual events.
Chemainus’ Canada Day cake cutting and O’Canada will be at 12 p.m.
If you would like to make a donation to the garage sale, call Greer at the museum, 250-256-2445, and she can come and pick it up.
All proceeds will be going to the museum’s expansion fund.