Sundre residents won't have to go very far to celebrate the 149th anniversary of Canada's Confederation.
Town officials partnered with the Sundre and District Historical Society and local businesses to host a range of family-friendly activities to suit all ages and walks of life.
“We really want to make everything inclusive,” said Ian James, the town's community services manager.
“We want to pull the community together and recognize that it doesn't matter where you come from, we're Canadians,” he said, adding everyone can “come together and celebrate Canada Day.”
Resources were pooled among the town, the historical society as well as local business, including Fountain Tire — which this year is celebrating its own anniversary of 60 years, he said.
The festivities get underway at about 11:30 a.m. The Sundre museum's gates will be open to everyone without an admission fee, although there is a minimal charge for those interested in visiting the World of Wildlife, said Tami Parkinson, museum manager.
A paid concession will also be available for those who find themselves craving a snack and refreshment, while a number of volunteering town officials will host a free barbecue from 1-2:30 p.m. Assisted by members of the Sundre Legion, the opening ceremonies and flag raising take place at noon, which will be followed by the lineup of entertainment from 1-4 p.m., she said.
“We have a musical performance from the Dog House,” she told the Round Up.
The band, which hails from Didsbury, plays a variety of music, said James.
Among the myriad of other activities at the museum are a dunk tank fundraiser for the historical society, children's crafts at the historic schoolhouse, old- fashioned games such as sack- and three-legged races, and a life-size Angry Birds slingshot, said Parkinson.
While moms and dads are enjoying the entertainment, their children will get a chance to get creatively immersed with crafts as well as get their faces painted, said James.
But that's only what's happening at the museum.
Following a break in activities to offer everyone a chance to rest and freshen up before returning later that evening, the Sundre rodeo grounds will host a drumming circle at 7 p.m. after which the feature film Jungle Book will be screened outdoors on a 25-foot screen, said James.
“Bring your lawn chairs, sleeping bags and get comfortable,” he said, adding there will also be popcorn.
Both Parkinson and James also mentioned the weekly Friday farmers market at the Sundre curling rink from 5-7 p.m.
And of course no celebration of a nation's anniversary would be complete without a fireworks display.
After the movie credits roll, a roughly 20-minute fireworks show is “promising to be a very entertaining display,” said James, encouraging residents to check out what's going on in the community.
He added a number of businesses were putting on some of their own events as well.
“There's a variety of activities — check it all out!”
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"Bring your lawn chairs, sleeping bags and get comfortable."—Ian James, Sundre community services manager
