The Tri-Cities is host to not one but three Canada Day celebrations as Port Moody, Port Coquitlam and Coquitlam don red and white for the day. But which party you choose will depend on what kind of fun and entertainment you like.
Some top picks:
• Best fun for kids: pancake breakfast and fishing derby for kids at Lions Park from 8-11 a.m. in Port Coquitlam.
• Most nostalgic entertainment: Trooper at Rocky Point Park in Port Moody, beginning at 9 p.m.
• Best view: Castle Park in Port Coquitlam, where there will be activities, entertainment and a salmon bbq from noon to dusk.
• Easiest access: PoMo and Coquitlam events, which are accessible via Sky Train.
• Best beverage garden: is at the PoMo event, where Canada Day coincides with Golden Spike Days and there will be beer and cider from local breweries available.
• Most diverse: Coquitlam will have two main stages, plus roving entertainment, and a fun procession, starting at noon.
Here’s the full list of what’s on offer Saturday, July 1.
COQUITLAM
Noon to 10:30 p.m.
Fireworks at 10 p.m.
Location: Town Center Park
The fun kicks off with a Canada Day procession at noon, lead by Bloco Energia, followed by entertainment at two stages, the Plaza Stage , featuring the Coastal Sound Children’s Choir, Rollin’ Train Wreck, Mazacote, Uzume Taiko, the Giggle Dam Band, a battle of the bands and The Ticket to keep the party going.
At the Meadow Stage there will be the Tri-City Chinese Community Society folk dances, the Golden Maple Culture and Arts Association, Roma Gry, Karima Essa, Rup Loops, the Myrtle Family Band and Soundtrack Canada.
There will also be roving entertainers, Coquitlam Lane and The Meadow featuring local displays, an Adventure Park with activities for kids, a Green Street, Eat Street, a Watering Hole featuring Hearthstone Brewing and a Vehicle Showcase.
The idea is to have a plan, pack a lawn chair for easy and convenient seating, bring a water bottle for filling at a water station and establish a meeting place in case you’re separated.
Always know what your child is wearing — before leaving, take a picture with your camera and take it with you. It will help you remember.
PORTMOODY
11 a.m. to 10:45
Fireworks at 10:30 p.m. after Trooper
http://www.goldenspike.ca/mainstageschedule
Location: Rocky Point Park
Canada Day celebrations in Port Moody coincide — as they always do — with Golden Spike Days at Rocky Point Park.
The city's Canada 150 Zone at the 41st annual Spike runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and features games, community art projects and mini golf. Grab a treat from city councillors after the ceremony at 1 p.m. and stick around for Canadian rock legends Trooper, who will perform at 9 p.m.
The night concludes with a fireworks show starting at 10:30 p.m. Info: portmoody.ca/canadaday.
Also on July 1, Port Moody firefighters host their 40th annual pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon at the Inlet Centre fire hall (150 Newport Dr.) A brekkie of pancakes, sausages, coffee and juice is by donation, with money raised going to the Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation and Crossroads Hospice.
PORT COQUITLAM
8 a.m. to 11 at Lions Park, Noon to dusk at Castle Park
https://www.portcoquitlam.ca/media-releases/celebrate-canada-day-port-coquitlam/
Port Coquitlam’s annual Canada Day celebrations kick off at 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast and fishing derby at Lions Park. The fun continues from noon to dusk at Castle Park in Citadel Heights with live entertainment, the PoCo firefighters' annual salmon barbecue and the grand finale fireworks. The schedule:
• 8-11:30 a.m.: Pancake breakfast served by the local Lions Club ($5/adult, $3/child under 10) and a free fishing derby with prizes for children age 10 and under (register on-site at Lions Park).
• noon.: Opening ceremonies, national anthem, flag raising and cake — Castle Park.
• 12:30-5 p.m.: Community showcase featuring local performers and hosted by Brad Rossington: Silver Chord Choir, Mellado Dance Elite, TC School of Music, Hickelstock, Venezuelan Folk Group Asi Somos, Jocelyn Pettit Band and more. Also: a variety of free children’s activities including hamster balls, face painting, a creation station, a kids’ activity zone, bouncy castles and more; plus community marketplace — explore a variety of community and cultural displays.
• Noon to dusk: Food vendors: from Homestyle Perogies to Asian Fusion Ice Cream, Smokies, Cotton Candy and more.
• 3-6 p.m.: Firefighters' salmon barbecue ($10 for complete salmon dinner; hamburgers and hot dogs also available), with all proceeds going to BC Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund.
• 5:30-10 p.m.: Bring a blanket to enjoy the music acts leading up to the fireworks — Joe Fernandes Band, the Heels, Chersea and headliner Jordan Klassen, Peak Performance artist.
• Dusk: Grande finale fireworks coordinated by PoCo firefighters.
