THUNDER BAY – Grey skies are going to clear up, so put on a happy Canada Day face, Thunder Bay.
After a week of watching the weather, organizers of the city’s tribute to the country’s 150th birthday say it looks like they may catch a break on Saturday.
That means odds are good the festivities at Prince Arthur’s Landing will go off without a hitch, including a spectacular fireworks show scheduled to wrap up the celebration.
“It’s a relief to not have to look at a contingency plan for something like that,” said Ash Young, the city’s cultural development and events supervisor, “as well as for people to come down to the waterfront to enjoy the massive celebration we have planned down here with the full automated Marina Park.
Saturday’s forecast shows cloudy with a 40 per cent chance of showers in the morning and afternoon, with the sun starting to peek through in the evening, just as things start to heat up on the waterfront – although there is still a chance of rain.
Young said the city owns the fireworks, and should the weather not co-operate or low-hanging clouds threaten the ability for spectators to enjoy the display, there remains the possibility the show could be rescheduled for another time. But he’s confident that won’t be necessary at this point.
With or without the fireworks, there will be plenty of things for people to do and enjoy throughout the day at Marina Park.
It’s an extra special year, Young said.
“To heighten the event we partnered with Innovation 150 to bring in the Power of Ideas tour, which is set up in an 80- by 40-foot tent on the Pearl Street entrance side of the park. Also we have the Rites of Passage teaching lodge, which is down near the Spirit Garden,” Young said.
“On the main stage we’ll have a Juno nominee from 2017, Ten Strings and a Goatskin.”
Of course all the traditional favourites will be on hand.
“We’ll have the buskers doing magic tricks throughout the part, we’ll have children’s activities – face-painting, crafts – and in the Baggage Arts Building there’s a Canada 150 display. There’s lots going on throughout the whole park,” Young said.
The public is reminded there is no parking in the park on Canada Day, but free shuttles will be available from Intercity Shopping Centre and the 55 Plus Centre on River Street.
There is also plenty of parking available in the downtown area.
If the waterfront isn’t your thing, there are Canada Day events taking place at a number of other locations, including Fort William Historical Park and the West Thunder Community Centre.
Festivities being at 10 a.m . at FWHP and include a daytime fireworks and coloured smoke show, canoe rides on the Kaministiquia River, crafts and a number of contests, including Canadian pride, best hockey shot and moose ski races.
Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors 60 and older and children aged six to 12. Children five and younger are free.
At West Thunder there will be music on the main stage starting at 12:30 p.m., culminating with Daylin James at 4:30 p.m. Pony rides and bouncy castles will be available for the younger set, as well as clowns and a number of arts and craft activities – not to mention Zorb ball races. The fun starts at 11 a.m.
