Celebrate Canada Day in Port Dalhousie

On July 1, everyone is invited to enjoy a stellar lineup of music, fireworks, a kids’ zone and more at the legendary Port Dalhousie waterfront. Community and Events Coordinator Andrea Connelly-Miele says “Between an impressive lineup of music, fresh food from local vendors, family-friendly entertainment, and fireworks for the first time since COVID, the upcoming long weekend promises good times for people of all ages.” The event kicks off with remarks by Mayor Mat Siscoe at 12:30 p.m. with entertainment commencing afterwards. The musical lineup for the day consists of Born Ruffians, The Darcys, Lydia Persaud, Ryan Langdon, Sleepy Jean, Jin, Flwr Girl and The Mountain Man. Music will run from the conclusion of the opening remarks until 9:30 p.m., at which point the fireworks will be set off on the beach. Attendees can view the show from both the park and the beach. The kids’ zone will feature the St. Catharines Fire Services, with firefighters, fire prevention and Sparky. Attendees can tour a fire truck and learn about fire prevention. There will also be various outdoor and carnival-style games. There will be four food vendors selling a variety of dining options, as well as local craft beer and cider. Attendees can also contribute to a community art project in the Neil Peart Pavilion called ‘Community Mural: Tending the Bee-u-tiful Garden City’. This project is facilitated by local artists Katherine Sunita and Melissa Parkins. Participants will be given canvas, wooden honeycomb shapes, and paint. The completed honeycombs will be assembled to a mural displayed in downtown St. Catharines arts and culture venues. This activity will take place at the pavilion between 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. There will be free, but limited parking at Lakeside Park. Attendees are encouraged to use public or active transportation. Admission is free, and non-perishable food items to support the Healthy Living Program at the Niagara Regional Native Centre will be accepted at the event. This event is being presented in collaboration with Cicada Music and Arts Festival and is funded in part by the Government of Canada. Downtown, the St. Catharines Farmers Market also has a variety of activities happening on July 1. From 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., the Market Discovery Table will feature mixed berries that originate from across the country with an education piece on farming in Canada, and St. Catharines, including the market. Patrons can also enter to win a market surprise bag before noon and, in addition to giving away an assortment of berries, attendees can also enter to win the monthly Market Discovery Bag valued at more than $75. Music will be provided by The O’Deadly’s between 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. The City is also offering free swimming at all City pools (including lengths, leisure and fitness) on July 1. The usual rules and supervision standards will be in effect. Interested patrons should reserve their space online at ActiveSTC. Splash pads and the Kiwanis Aquatics Centre are also open with regular programming. The Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre and Bill Burgoyne Arena will be closed on July 1.