If you’re looking to chill with some great music and cultural activities under the hot sun on Canada Day, the Tri-Cities has lots of entertainment on the nation’s 148th birthday.
Coquitlam Town Centre Park on Pinetree Way will be buzzing — from noon on — with sounds on three platforms: the Cultural Village, Arts Village and Coquitlam stages.
And there’s plenty to please everyone, from classical (Coquitlam Youth Orchestra) and celtic (Blackthorn) to Coast Salish and kids’ tunes (The Good Day Sunshine Band).
Be sure to catch Pinetree secondary grad Cassandra Bangel and her band at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. at the Arts Village Stage.
Meanwhile, the Vancouver party band Groove n Tonic will fire up the Coquitlam Stage at 8:15 p.m. just before the pyrotechnics blast off at 10 p.m. above Lafarge Lake.
Parking is free but limited at Town Centre Park, Douglas College and Pinetree community centre so stop your ride at Gleneagle secondary school and catch a free shuttle bus between 11:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m.
Attendees are also encouraged to wear red or white to be part of a Living Flag to celebrate the flag’s 50th year; meet at the north end of Lafarge Lake at 1:45 p.m.
Social media users can also type in the hashtag #ehcoquitlam and share their photo for a chance to win one of three $50 gift certificates to Coquitlam Centre mall.
Visit coquitlam.ca/canadaday.
Over in Port Coquitlam, the showcase runs from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Castle Park (corner of Castle Crescent and Citadel Drive).
Hosted by Brad Rossington, the entertainment includes: Mellado Dance Group, Royal Scottish Country Society, K&S Dance, Kalaya’s Hawaiian Dancers, Wilson Centre Seniors Choir, Cassandra Bangel, Diaspora Greek Band, Golden Spike Can Can Dancers, Nahualli Folklore and Heather Jolley’s Scottish Dancers.
There will also be an international bazaar, featuring the cultural wares from the community on display and for sale.
And three bands will hit the stage from 6:30 to 10 p.m.: Gypsy Band Parno Drom, the Swagger Kings and Good for Grapes — last year’s Peak Performance Project winner.
The fireworks, courtesy of the Onni Group, burst in the night sky at around 10:10 p.m.
Visit portcoquitlam.ca/canadaday.
Port Moody will also host a Canada Day event — on a smaller scale than their neighbours this year — from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Rocky Point Park on Murray Street.
During the family picnic, hear from musician Tony Prophet, the Coastal Sound Children’s Choir, the Vancouver Traveling Band and The Crayons.
Cupcakes and refreshments will be served at 1:30 p.m.
Visit portmoody.ca/canadaday.
jwarren@tricitynews.com
