Guide to Canada Day in Kingston 2009
It is not going to rain tomorrow. It is not going to rain tomorrow. It is not…come on, say it with me!
The City has lined up some fun events around Kingston to celebrate Canada’s 142nd birthday. If you’re downtown, you can start things off with the red and white parade. Anyone wearing Canada’s national colours can participate. The parade will leave the A&P (Metro?) parking lot at Princess and Barrie at 11:30am to make its way to City Hall, where, at noon, Harvey Rosen will announce the winners of the Distinguished Citizen Award.
First Parliament Walking Tours will take place beginning at 12:30pm from the Museum of Health Care (32 George St.). The tours are half an hour and will explore the history of health care in Kingston. If you’d rather run than walk, sign up for the Limestone Mile Races. Registration begins at 7:45am at Confederation Basin and the races get going at 9am.
The live music at Confederation Basin will begin at 12:30pm and will continue all day long until 10pm when the fireworks will begin over Lake Ontario. Some of the bands playing include Jenica Rayne, Georgette Fry and Emily Fennell.
If you’re further east, head over to Grass Creek Park for a day full of family fun. From 1pm to 6pm there will be live entertainment by The Barefoot Players and The King of Swingers, there will be bouncy castles, pony rides, wagon rides, face painting and all that other good summer stuff. BBQ and other refreshments will be available as well. There are also some scheduled events:
1pm: Sand Castle and Sand Art Contest
2pm: Olde-Fashioned Nail Driving Contest
3pm: Performance by Swayed (rock/country band)
4pm: Olde-Fashioned Nail Driving Contest
5pm: Closing Ceremonies with the Town Crier
While you’re in the east you can also hit Fort Henry to see the Rob Roy Pipe Band and Highland Dancers as well as the OPP Golden Helmets Precision Motorcycle Team.
If you’re interested in checking out the bar scene, High Lonesome Wednesday will take place as usual at The Mansion with Jenny and Dan Whiteley, staring at 8pm. The Tir nan og hosts it’s Keith’s Patio Party where pints of Keith’s are only $3.99 and appetizers go half price at 9pm. There is also promise of live music in the evening.
So get out there! It’s a holiday in the middle of the week! Don’t spend it doing housework or catching up on laundry, go outside and enjoy our fantastic city! It all kicks off tonight with Ianspotting’s Annual Canada Day Bash at The Toucan, starting at 9:30pm.
Special thanks and credit to Chris J for amazing fireworks photo.